From the Archives, 1883: Krakatoa's cataclysmic eruption
On August 27, 1883, the biggest, most explosive volcanic eruption in recorded history occurred. Krakatoa, a volcanic island between Java and Sumatra, blew up and the sonic boom from the final cataclysmic explosion produced the loudest sound in modern history, one that was heard thousands of kilometres away in Perth. News of the event reached Australia by telegram a day later with a more detailed account provided several weeks later by the captain and passengers of a steamer that narrowly escaped...
Source: theage.com.au