Australia's National Symbols: The Flag, Anthem and More
Learn about Australia's national symbols — the flag, anthem, coat of arms, colours and more — for the Australia and Its People section of the citizenship test.
Australia's national symbols represent its identity, history, and values. Several symbols feature directly in the citizenship test, so it pays to know them well.
The Australian National Flag
The Australian flag has three elements:
- The Union Jack (top left): represents Australia's historical links with Britain
- The Commonwealth Star (bottom left): a seven-pointed star representing the six states and the territories
- The Southern Cross (right side): a constellation visible only from the Southern Hemisphere, representing Australia's geography
The background is a blue ensign (dark blue). The flag was first flown in 1901.
The Torres Strait Islander Flag and the Aboriginal Flag
Both flags are officially recognised by the Australian Government.
- The Australian Aboriginal Flag features black (the Aboriginal people), red (the earth and spiritual connection to land), and a yellow circle (the sun)
- The Torres Strait Islander Flag features green (the land), blue (the sea), black (the people), a white dancer's headdress (the people), and a white star (the five island groups)
The Australian Anthem
Australia's national anthem is "Advance Australia Fair", written by Peter Dodds McCormick. The second word of the anthem was changed from "sons" to "one" in 2021 — "Australians all, let us rejoice, for we are one and free" — to better reflect Australia's inclusive identity.
The Coat of Arms
The Australian Coat of Arms features:
- A kangaroo on the left and an emu on the right (both animals that cannot walk backwards — symbolising Australia moving forward)
- A shield divided into six sections representing the six states
- The Commonwealth Star above the shield
National Colours and Floral Emblem
- National colours: Green and gold
- National floral emblem: The golden wattle (Acacia pycnantha)
- National gemstone: Opal
National Day
Australia Day is celebrated on 26 January, marking the date in 1788 when Captain Arthur Phillip raised the British flag at Sydney Cove. It is a day of national reflection, celebration — and for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, a day of mourning for what was lost with colonisation. The date and its meaning are the subject of ongoing national conversation.
ANZAC Day
ANZAC Day, 25 April, commemorates the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) soldiers who served at Gallipoli in 1915 and in all subsequent conflicts. Dawn services are held across Australia and around the world. ANZAC Day is one of Australia's most important national occasions.