[Illustrated Reference] The Story of Australia’s Flag & Coat of Arms

 

The Symbols of Australia: An Illustrated Reference Guide to Our Nation’s Identity


When Australia federated on January 1, 1901, it wasn't just a new government that was born; it was a new nation with a new identity. But how did a group of six colonies choose the symbols that would represent them to the world?

For students working on a HASS assignment or a poster presentation, this illustrated guide breaks down the meaning and history behind Australia's most powerful symbols, with clear visual references.

1. The Australian Flag: More Than Just Stars and Stripes

The Australian National Flag is one of the most recognized symbols of the country, but every element on it was chosen with a specific meaning.



  • Union Jack: Labeled "Link to Britain".

  • Federation Star (Large Seven-Pointed Star): Labeled "Federation Star" with a key explaining the points.

  • Southern Cross (Group of Five Stars): Labeled "Southern Cross" with a map in the background showing Australia in the Southern Hemisphere. (Caption: The components and meanings of the Australian National Flag.)

A. The Union Jack (Top Left Corner)

This is the flag of the United Kingdom, placed in the top-left section (called the "Canton"). It represents Australia's historical links to Britain and the British settlers who came to the continent.

B. The Commonwealth Star (Bottom Left)

This large, seven-pointed star is also known as the Federation Star. It is perhaps the most unique element on the flag.

  • Six of the points represent the original six states (NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, TAS).

  • The seventh point represents Australia's territories (like the ACT and NT). It was added in 1908.

C. The Southern Cross (Right Half)

This group of five white stars is the core of the flag. It represents the Southern Cross constellation (Crux Australis), which is one of the brightest constellations visible from the Southern Hemisphere. It symbolizes Australia's location and its indigenous heritage, as many Aboriginal stories are connected to the stars.


2. The Australian Coat of Arms: Unity in Diversity

A coat of arms is a formal symbol that represents a nation. Australia’s original coat of arms was granted by King Edward VII in 1908, but the current one was approved by King George V in 1912.



  • Kangaroo and Emu: Labeled "National Animals".

  • Shield: Labeled "Six States, One Nation".

  • Wattle: Labeled "National Flower". (Caption: The elements of the Commonwealth of Arms.)

 

A. The Supporters: Kangaroo and Emu

The kangaroo and emu were chosen as the primary "supporters" for two important reasons:

  • Unique Wildlife: Both are native only to Australia and are powerful symbols of its unique wildlife.

  • Always Moving Forward: Neither animal is able to easily move backward, which symbolizes a new nation that is committed to always moving forward and progressing.

B. The Shield: Six States, One Shield

The shield in the center contains the badges of the six original states that federated in 1901.

  • Top left: NSW (St. George's Cross and Lion).

  • Top middle: VIC (The Crown and Southern Cross).

  • Top right: QLD (The Maltese Cross and Crown).

  • Bottom left: SA (The piping shrike, a native bird).

  • Bottom middle: WA (The black swan).

  • Bottom right: TAS (The red lion).

C. The National Flower: Golden Wattle

Behind the animals and shield is the Golden Wattle (Acacia pycnantha), which is Australia's national floral emblem. It blooms with bright yellow flowers in early spring and is a symbol of resilience and the vast Australian landscape.


3. More Australian Symbols: Fast Facts for Your Poster

If your presentation needs extra points, consider including these additional symbols:

  • National Anthem: "Advance Australia Fair" (Written by Peter Dodds McCormick in 1901, became the national anthem in 1984).

  • National Colours: Green and Gold (Representing the wattle and the sun/sand).

  • National Gemstone: Opal (Over 90% of the world's precious opals come from Australia).



How to Cite This Page for Your Assignment

If you are using this illustrated reference for your school project, you can cite this page using the following formats:

APA Style (7th Edition)

Everyday Aussie Info. (2026, March 3). The Story of Australia’s Flag & Coat of Arms: Detailed Student Guide. Everyday Aussie Info. https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/preview/2610742376814411138/1047002739938553986

MLA Style (9th Edition)

"Everyday Aussie Info." The Story of Australia’s Flag & Coat of Arms: Detailed Student Guide, Everyday Aussie Info, 3 Mar. 2026, https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/preview/2610742376814411138/1047002739938553986.

Chicago Style

Everyday Aussie Info. "The Story of Australia’s Flag & Coat of Arms: Detailed Student Guide." Everyday Aussie Info. March 3, 2026. https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/preview/2610742376814411138/1047002739938553986.

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