Key facts
- Australia has three officially recognised flags: the Australian National Flag, the Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag.
- The Commonwealth Star has seven points: one for each of the six states and one for the territories.
- The national flower is the golden wattle; the national colours are green and gold; the national gemstone is the opal.
- The national anthem is Advance Australia Fair.
Australia’s national symbols are its three officially recognised flags, the Commonwealth Coat of Arms, the golden wattle (national flower), green and gold (national colours), the opal (national gemstone) and the national anthem, Advance Australia Fair. They are all in Part 1 of Our Common Bond, so they can appear on the citizenship test.
What are Australia’s flags?
| Flag | Colours | What the parts mean |
|---|---|---|
| Australian National Flag | Blue, white and red | Union Jack: British settlement and the laws and institutions inherited. Commonwealth Star: six states plus the territories. Southern Cross: stars seen in the southern sky. |
| Australian Aboriginal Flag | Black, red and yellow | Black: Aboriginal peoples of Australia. Red: the earth, which has ceremonial significance. Yellow circle: the sun. |
| Torres Strait Islander Flag | Green, blue, black and white | Green: the land. Blue: the sea. Black lines: Torres Strait Islander people. White dancer’s headdress: all Torres Strait Islanders. White star: the island groups, and white symbolises peace. |
The Australian National Flag is the official flag of the nation. The other two are officially recognised and may be flown in the community. Each state and territory also has its own flag.
How many points does the Commonwealth Star have?
Seven. One for each of the six states and one for the territories.
What is the Commonwealth Coat of Arms?
The Commonwealth Coat of Arms is the official symbol of the Commonwealth of Australia. It represents national unity and identifies the authority and property of the Commonwealth.
- The shield in the centre represents the six states and federation.
- A kangaroo and an emu, both native animals, support the shield.
- A gold Commonwealth Star sits above the shield.
- Golden wattle is in the background.
What are the other national symbols?
| Symbol | What it is |
|---|---|
| National flower | Golden wattle. It grows mainly in south-eastern Australia and has golden yellow flowers in spring. |
| National colours | Green and gold, the colours of the golden wattle. National sports teams usually wear them. |
| National gemstone | The opal. According to Aboriginal legend, a rainbow touched the earth and created its colours. |
| National anthem | Advance Australia Fair, sung at citizenship ceremonies and major sporting events. |
Each state and territory also has its own floral emblem.
Which important days should you know?
- Australia Day, 26 January: the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788. It is a public holiday in every state and territory, and special citizenship ceremonies are held.
- Anzac Day, 25 April: remembers the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps at Gallipoli, Türkiye, in 1915, and the sacrifice of all Australians who served and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
Quick self-check
- What colours are on the Torres Strait Islander Flag? Green, blue, black and white.
- What does the yellow circle on the Aboriginal Flag represent? The sun.
- Which two animals support the shield on the Coat of Arms? A kangaroo and an emu.
- What is the national gemstone? The opal.
Practise more with Australia and its people questions, or test everything at once with a mock test.