A minor earthquake in southern NSW today shook homes but caused no injuries or damage, seismologists say.

The tremor, measuring 2.8 on the Richter scale, occurred at 3.41pm (AEDT) near the town of Yass, Geoscience Australia said.

The quake was centred five kilometres south-south-west of Yass and felt by residents there and in the nearby towns of Murrumbateman and Gunning.

"They heard a double explosion, they described it as, and the house shook and windows shook," a spokeswoman for the national agency quoted one caller as saying.

Independent seismologist Kevin McCue said there had been recordings of the seismic activity across southeast NSW.

"I'd be very surprised if there was any damage. That magnitude's a bit small ... but big enough to be felt," Dr McCue said.