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List of Australian flags facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

This is a list of flags of different designs that have been used in Australia.

National flags

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Australia (1901–1903).svg 1901–1903 Historic flag, original 1901 Federal Flag Design Competition winner A Blue Ensign defaced with the six-point Commonwealth Star in the lower hoist quarter and the five stars of the Southern Cross in the fly half (each star had a varying number of points: 9, 8, 7, 6 and 5—with Alpha Crucis being larger than Beta and Gamma and with Delta being smaller than Beta and Gamma). It was first flown in Melbourne on 3 September 1901.
That day is known as Flag Day.
Flag of Australia (1903–1908).svg 1903–1908 Historic national flag as approved by King Edward VII A Blue Ensign defaced with the six-point Commonwealth Star in the lower hoist quarter and the five stars of the Southern Cross in the fly half (all stars had seven points, except the smallest star only had 5 points).
Flag of Australia (converted).svg 1908–present Australian National Flag, naval jack and state ensign A Blue Ensign defaced with the seven-point Commonwealth Star in the lower hoist quarter and the five stars of the Southern Cross in the fly half.
Flag of Australia, vertical.svg 1908–present Vertical flag of Australia

Other flags recognised under the Flags Act 1953

Sources:

Flag Date Use Description
Australian Aboriginal Flag.svg 1971–present Australian Aboriginal Flag A black and red flag with a yellow circle in the middle. The flag was designed in 1971 by Harold Thomas.
1992–present Torres Strait Islander Flag A five-pointed star and traditional headdress in white, on a blue, green and black background. It was designed in 1992 by Bernard Namok.

Personal flags

Sovereign

Flag Date Use Description
Royal Standard of Australia (1962–2022).svg 1962–2022 Personal Australian Flag of Queen Elizabeth II Consists of a banner of the coat of arms of Australia, defaced with a gold seven-pointed federation star with a blue disc containing the letter E below a crown, surrounded by a garland of golden roses.

Governor-General

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the Governor General of Australia (1902-1909).svg 1902–1909 Flag of the governor-general of Australia A Union Flag defaced with a six pointed star, crowned, surrounded by ears of corn and a gold circlet. The crown used is the Tudor Crown.
Flag of the Governor General of Australia (1909-1936).svg 1909–1936 Flag of the governor-general of Australia A Union Flag defaced with a seven pointed star, crowned, surrounded by ears of corn and a gold circlet. The crown used is the Tudor Crown.
Flag of the Governor General of Australia (1936-1953).svg 1936–1953 Flag of the governor-general of Australia A crowned lion standing on a crown on a blue field. The crown used is the Tudor Crown.
Flag of the Governor-General of Australia.svg 1953–present Flag of the governor-general of Australia A crowned lion standing on a crown on a blue field. The crown used is St Edward's Crown.

State governors

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the Governor of New South Wales.svg 1981–present Flag of the governor of New South Wales The state flag with a crowned badge.
Flag of the Governor of Queensland.svg 1876–present Flag of the governor of Queensland The Union Flag defaced with the state badge.
Flag of the Governor of South Australia.svg 1975–present Flag of the governor of South Australia The state flag with a crowned badge.
Flag of the Governor of Tasmania.svg 1977–present Flag of the governor of Tasmania The state flag with a crowned badge.
Flag of the Governor of Victoria.svg 1984–present Flag of the governor of Victoria The state flag with a yellow field and crowned southern cross.
Flag of the Governor of Western Australia.svg 1988–present Flag of the governor of Western Australia The state flag with a crowned badge.

Prime Minister

Flag Date Use Description
Car Flag of the Prime Minister of Australia (Flags of the World).svg 1950s–1966 Old car flag of the prime minister of Australia The Australian national flag defaced with the coat of arms of Australia placed between the Commonwealth Star and the Southern Cross. Used by Robert Menzies in the 1950s and 1960s.

Coronation Standards

Flag Date Use Description
Coronation Standard of Australia (1911).svg 1911 Old Coronation Standard Banner of arms of Australia
Coronation Standard of Australia.svg 1937 and 1953 Coronation Standard Banner of arms of Australia

Civil ensigns

Flag Date Use Description
Civil Ensign of Australia (1901–1903).svg 1901–1903 Red version of the 1901 Federal Flag Design Competition winner A Red Ensign defaced with the six-point Commonwealth Star in the lower hoist quarter and the five stars of the Southern Cross in the fly half (each star had a varying number of points: 9, 8, 7, 6 and 5—with Alpha Crucis being larger than Beta and Gamma and with Delta being smaller than Beta and Gamma).
Civil Ensign of Australia (1903–1908).svg 1903–1909 Old Red Ensign, first version approved by King Edward VII A Red Ensign defaced with the six-point Commonwealth Star in the lower hoist quarter and the five stars of the Southern Cross in the fly half (all stars had seven points, except the smallest star only had 5 points).
Civil Ensign of Australia.svg 1909–present Australian Red Ensign A Red Ensign defaced with the seven-point Commonwealth Star in the lower hoist quarter and the five stars of the Southern Cross in the fly half.
Civil Air Ensign of Australia (1935–1948).svg 1935–1948 Old Australian Civil Air Ensign Based on the British Civil Air Ensign, with the addition of the Southern Cross and Commonwealth Star in yellow.
Civil Air Ensign of Australia.svg 1948–present Australian Civil Air Ensign Based on the British Civil Air Ensign, with the addition of the Southern Cross and Commonwealth Star in white.

Australian Defence Force

Flag Date Use Description

Ensign of the Australian Defence Force.svg

2000–present Australian Defence Force Ensign A tricolour of dark blue (navy); red (army) and light blue (airforce) with the triservice badge.

Australian Minister for Defence Flag.jpg

2000–present Personal flag of the Minister for Defence A tricolour of dark blue (navy); red (army) and light blue (airforce) with the representative service badges.

Flag of Chief of the Defence Force (Australia).svg

2000–present Personal flag of the Chief of the Defence Force A horizontal tricolour of dark blue (navy); red (army) and light blue (airforce) with the triservice badge and four gold stars.

Flag of Vice Chief of Defence Force (AUS).svg

2000–present Personal flag of the Vice Chief of the Defence Force A tricolour of dark blue (navy); red (army) and light blue (airforce) with the triservice badge and three gold stars.

Royal Australian Navy

Flag Date Use Description
Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg 1911–1967 Royal Australian Navy Ensign British White Ensign.

It was replaced by the Australian White Ensign.

Naval Ensign of Australia.svg 1967–present Australian White Ensign A version of the national flag with a white field defaced with a blue Commonwealth Star in the lower canton quarter and a blue Southern Cross in the fly.
Flag of the Australian Navy Board.svg 1920–present Flag of the Chief of Navy A fouled anchor on a red-blue background.
Flag of Admiral - Royal Navy.svg 1901–present Admirals command flag Cross of St George.
Flag of Vice-Admiral - Royal Navy.svg 1901–present Vice Admirals command flag Cross of St George with one red ball in the upper left canton.
Flag of Rear-Admiral - Royal Navy.svg 1901–present Rear Admirals command flag Cross of St George with one red ball in the upper left canton and one red ball in the lower left canton.
UK-Navy-OF6-Flag.svg 1901–present Commodores command broad pennant Cross of St George with one red ball in the upper left canton with a swallow-tailed end.
Ensign of the Sea Cadet Corps.svg 1956–1972 Sea Cadet Corps A British Blue Ensign with the badge of the Sea Cadet Corps in the fly. Replaced by the Naval Reserve Cadets Ensign.
Naval Ensign of the Australian Navy Cadets.svg 1972–2001 Naval Reserve Cadets Ensign A British Blue Ensign with the Australian White Ensign in canton and the badge of the Naval Reserve Cadets in the fly. Replaced by the Australian Navy Cadets Ensign.
2001–present Australian Navy Cadets Ensign A British Blue Ensign with the Australian White Ensign in canton and the badge of the Australian Navy Cadets in the fly.
Queen's Colour for the Royal Australian Navy.svg 1983–Present Queen's Colour for the Royal Australian Navy (1983-2022)
King's Colour for the Royal Australian Navy (2022-Present)

Royal Australian Air Force

Flag Date Use Description
Ensign of the Royal Air Force.svg 1921–1948 Royal Australian Air Force Ensign British Royal Air Force Ensign.
Air Force Ensign of Australia (1948–1982).svg 1948–1982 Royal Australian Air Force Ensign The national flag with a light blue field, the Southern Cross tilted and the RAAF roundel placed in the lower fly.
Ensign of the Royal Australian Air Force.svg 1982–present Royal Australian Air Force Ensign The national flag with a light blue field, the Southern Cross tilted and the RAAF roundel (Kangaroo) placed in the lower fly.
Australian Air Chief Marshal Officer Distinguishing Flag.svg 1982–present Flag of an Air Chief Marshal Five horizontal stripes of dark blue, light blue, red, light blue and dark blue, four six-pointed stars in the middle stripe.
Australian O9 Air Marshal Officer Distinguishing Flag.svg 1982–present Flag of an Air Marshal Five horizontal stripes of dark blue, light blue, red, light blue and dark blue, three six-pointed stars in the middle stripe.
Australian O8 Air Vice Marshal Officer Distinguishing Flag.svg 1982–present Flag of an Air Vice Marshal Five horizontal stripes of dark blue, light blue, red, light blue and dark blue, two six-pointed stars in the middle stripe.

Australian Border Force

The department names of Australia's border protection service have slightly changed over time, they are as follows;

  • Department of Trade and Customs (1 January 1901 – 1956)
  • Department of Customs and Excise (1956–1975)
  • Department of Police and Customs (1975–1975)
  • Department of Business and Consumer Affairs (1975–1982)
  • Department of Industry and Commerce (1982–1984)
  • Department of Industry, Technology and Commerce (1984–1985)
  • Australian Customs Service (1985–2009)
  • Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (2009–2015)
  • Australian Border Force (2015–present)
Flag Date Use Description
New South Wales Customs House Flag (1832).svg 1832–1882 New South Wales Customs Flag
New South Wales Customs Flag 1882-1901.svg 1882-1901 New South Wales Customs Flag
Customs Flag of the Territory of Papua and New Guinea 1949-1952.svg 1949-1952 Customs Flag of the Territory of Papua and New Guinea
Australian Customs Flag 1901-1903.svg 1901–1903 Australian Customs Flag The Australian national flag defaced with "HMC AUSTRALIA"
Australian Customs Flag 1903-1904.svg 1903–1904 Australian Customs Flag The Australian national flag defaced with "HMC AUSTRALIA"
Australian Customs Flag 1904-1909.svg 1904–1909 Australian Customs Flag The Australian national flag defaced with "HMC"
Australian Customs Flag 1909-1988.svg 1909–1988 Australian Customs Flag The Australian national flag defaced with "HMC"
Australian Customs Flag 1988-2015.svg 1988–2015 Australian Customs Flag The Australian national flag defaced with "CUSTOMS"
Australian Border Force Flag 2015.svg 2015 Australian Border Force Flag as used temporarily The Australian national flag defaced with "BORDER FORCE"
Australian Border Force Flag.svg 2015–present Australian Border Force Flag The Australian national flag defaced with "AUSTRALIAN BORDER FORCE"

Federal and state police

Flag Date Use Description
1982–present Flag of the Australian Federal Police A black-white-black vertical tricolor, with the badge of the Australian Federal Police in the centre of the white stripe. A black-and-white checkerboard borders the flag.
1981–present Flag of the New South Wales Police Force An azure-and-white horizontal bicolor with the badge of the New South Wales Police Force in the centre of the flag.
2006–present Flag of the Northern Territory Police A variant of the Northern Territory flag with the Northern Territory Police badge replacing the flower in the fly.
2006–present Flag of the Queensland Police Service A light blue-and-dark blue horizontal bicolor with the badge of the Queensland Police Service in the centre of the flag.
1993–present Flag of the South Australia Police A British Blue Ensign defaced with the badge of the South Australia Police within a white disk.
Flag of Tasmania Police.svg  ??–present Flag of the Tasmania Police An azure flag with the badge of the Tasmania Police in the centre of the flag.
 ??–present Flag of the Victoria Police A British Blue Ensign defaced with the badge of the Victoria Police.
2005–present Flag of the Western Australia Police A white flag with a stylised depiction of a swan and checkerboard in blue, with the Western Australia Police emblem added.

Commonwealth Lighthouse Service

Flag Date Use Description
Blue Ensign of the Commonwealth Lighthouse Service.svg Lighthouse Service Flag (Government Ship) Flag of Australia Inside the Southern Cross is a lighthouse service badge.
Red Ensign of the Commonwealth Lighthouse Service.svg Lighthouse Service Flag (Private Boat) Civil ensigns, at the bottom of the flag is the lighthouse service badge.

Emergency Services and Health Care flags

Flag Date Organisation Description
Flag of the New South Wales Ambulance Service.svg 1984–present New South Wales Ambulance
Fire and Rescue New South Wales
New South Wales Rural Fire Service
Flag of the New South Wales SES.svg New South Wales State Emergency Service
Flag of the Victoria SES.svg Victoria State Emergency Service
Rfdsa flag.gif 1959–present Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia Replaced in general use in 1993 due to a rebranding, the flag however isn't considered obsolete as its still used for official engagements.
Flag of the Western Australia Fire and Rescue Service.svg 1978–present Western Australia Fire and Rescue Service

Sporting flags

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Australasian team for Olympic games.svg 1908–1912 Flag of the Australasian Olympic Team A Blue Ensign defaced by a white circle containing the British Crown plus a shield containing the Southern Cross.
1983–present Boxing Kangaroo sporting flag A golden kangaroo wearing red boxing gloves on a green field.
2000 Sydney Olympics sporting flag
2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games sporting flag

Vexillology Association flags

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of FSA.svg Flag of the Flag Society of Australia Inc.

States and territories

States

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of New South Wales.svg 1876–present Flag of New South Wales A St George's Cross with four gold stars and a lion in the fly of a British blue ensign.
Flag of Queensland.svg 1876–present Flag of Queensland A light blue Maltese cross with a crown on a white background in the fly of a British blue ensign.
Flag of South Australia.svg 1904–present Flag of South Australia A piping shrike on a gold background in the fly of a British blue ensign.
Flag of Tasmania.svg 1876–present Flag of Tasmania A red lion on a white background in the fly of a British blue ensign.
Flag of Victoria (Australia).svg 1877–present Flag of Victoria The Southern Cross surmounted by a crown in the fly of a British blue ensign.
Flag of Western Australia.svg 1953–present Flag of Western Australia A black swan on a gold background in the fly of a British blue ensign.

Historical

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of New South Wales (1867).svg 1867 Flag of New South Wales
Flag of New South Wales (1870–1876).svg 1870–1876 Flag of New South Wales
Flag of Queensland (1859).svg 1859 Flag of Queensland
Flag of Queensland (1870–1876).svg 1870–1876 Flag of Queensland
Flag of Queensland (1876–1901).svg 1876–1901 Flag of Queensland
Flag of Queensland (1901–1963).svg 1901–1963 Flag of Queensland
Flag of South Australia (1870–1876).svg 1870–1876 Flag of South Australia
Flag of South Australia (1876–1904).svg 1876–1904 Flag of South Australia
Flag of Tasmania (1875).svg 1875 Flag of Tasmania
Flag of Victoria (1870-1877).svg 1870-1877 Flag of Victoria
Flag of Victoria (1877).svg 1877 Flag of Victoria
Flag of Victoria (1877-1901).svg 1877–1901 Flag of Victoria
Flag of Victoria (1901–1952).svg 1901–1952 Flag of Victoria
Flag of Western Australia (1870–1953).svg 1870–1953 Flag of Western Australia

Internal territories

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the Australian Capital Territory.svg 1993–present Flag of the Australian Capital Territory One third blue with the Southern Cross, the other two thirds are yellow with the coat of arms of Canberra.
Flag of the Northern Territory.svg 1978–present Flag of the Northern Territory One third black with the Southern Cross, the other two thirds are Ochre with Sturt's Desert Rose, the floral emblem of the Territory.

External territories

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Christmas Island.svg 2002–present Flag of Christmas Island The blue and green diagonal panels represent the sea and the island's vegetation, a small map of the island is included in the centre. The main emblem is a golden bosun bird. The flag was selected from a competition held in 1986 and was approved in 2002.
Flag of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.svg 2004–present Flag of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands The flag is green, with a palm tree on a gold disc in the canton, a gold crescent for the Cocos Malay people in the centre of the flag and a gold southern cross in the fly. The flag was designed in 2003 becoming official in 2004.
Flag of Norfolk Island.svg 1980–present Flag of Norfolk Island A green field with a white square containing a green Norfolk Island pine.

Historical

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the Territory of New Guinea.svg 1914–1949 Flag of the Territory of New Guinea British blue ensign with a white disk on the fly, filled with the Tudor Crown and the initials “T.N.G.
Flag of the Territory of Papua.svg 1902–1949 Flag of the Territory of Papua British blue ensign with a white disk on the fly, filled with the Tudor Crown and the initials “Papua”.
Flag of Papua New Guinea.svg 1971–1975 Flag of the Territory of Papua and New Guinea The upper triangle is red with the soaring Raggiana Bird of Paradise and the lower triangle is black with the Southern Cross of four white larger five-pointed stars and the smaller star.

Proposed states

Flag Date Party Description
North Queensland Flag (Bob Katter Proposal).svg 2020 Bob Katter's proposed flag for State of North Queensland
North Queensland State Flag Proposal (Variant).svg 1980 Proposed flag for State of North Queensland Proposed flag designed by Edward Cattoni in 1980, and approved at a meeting of the North Queensland State Party on 16 October 1994.
Capricornia Flag (Ian Johnston Proposal).svg 2005 Ian Johnston's proposed flag for a State of North Queensland Proposed flag for Capricornia (which has been suggested as an alternate name for a separate North Queensland state).
New England, Australia Flag (Ian Johnston Proposal).svg 2005 Ian Johnston's proposed flag for a New England state

Cities and areas

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Adelaide.svg 1982–present Armorial Flag of the City of Adelaide Blue background divided into four quarters by a Saint George's Cross outlined in gold overlain with the Arms of the City of Adelaide. Flag bordered on three sides by diagonal blue and gold stripes.
Flag of Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara.svg Flag of the local government area of Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara The logo of Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara on a red field.
Flag of Brisbane.svg 1947–present Flag of the City of Brisbane Blue background (representing the Brisbane River) bordered by a golden checker pattern (representing the Sun and Brisbane's warm climate) with the flag divided into six quarters. The upper hoist quarter contains a golden caducei superimposed on wavy white lines, representing the Brisbane River and its ties to the city's commerce. The lower hoist quarter contains two Stafford knots and a white star arranged vertically (all represent the achievements in astronomy of Sir Thomas Brisbane, for whom the city is named). The remaining segments alternate between these two designs. The flag design is based on the shield on the coat of arms of Brisbane.
Flag of Darwin.svg 2009–present Flag of the City of Darwin According to council policy, Darwin maintains two flags. The policy reads "One flag will contain the official Coat of Arms, with its nine colours and the CITY OF DARWIN printed underneath in blue, on a yellow background flanked by red and green. The other flag will contain the City Logo and be in the colours of blue, green and white, on a white background."
City of Hobart Flag.svg Flag of the City of Hobart The flag of Hobart City Council, of Tasmania, Australia. Designed in 1951 by Hobart architect and alderman, I.G. Anderson and first flown in 1953.

The star is derived from the arms of Lord Hobart, 4th Earl of Buckinghamshire (1760–1816), Secretary of State for War and the Colonies at the time of colonial settlement (1804), and after whom Hobart is named. The colour used on the arms Lord Hobart was, in fact, sable (black), rather than blue.

The red lion is from the Tasmanian flag – and its location at the top of the shield signifies Hobart's position as the Capital City.

Tasmania Launceston City Flag.svg Flag of the City of Launceston The Launceston flag design is based on the city's coat of arms granted by the College of Arms, London, on 11 June 1957. The Brisbane Street Mall, the War memorial at Royal Park, the original Queen Victoria Museum (now the Art Gallery) building, atop the Council Chambers and on top of the Albert Hall are places in the city where the flag is regularly flown. The three intersecting lines in the flag represent the city's three rivers (North Esk, South Esk and Tamar) and the two rectangles in the lines represent tin ingots. The strip across the top with the jagged edge is green to represent the city's parks, gardens and surrounding countryside. Waratah flowers at the top symbolise all flowers and similar beauties of nature. The ingots are included because Launceston used to be a large tin smelting centre. The little circle at the river junction is Launceston.
Flag of Melbourne.svg Flag of the City of Melbourne White background divided into four quarters by a Saint George's Cross outlined by a concise and overlain with St Edward's Crown. Quadrant features represent the main activities of the economy of the City of Melbourne in the mid 19th century and are, in a clockwise direction from top left, a fleece hanging from a red ring (wool), a black bull standing on a hillock (cattle), a three-mast ship in full sail (shipping), and a spouting whale in the sea (whaling). The flag design is identical to the shield on the coat of arms of Melbourne.
1961–present Flag of the City of Newcastle The colours are brown over green, taken from the shoulder patch of a Battalion raised in the Newcastle/Hunter region. The shield has a gold chief, containing a black diamond, a white sheep's fleece banded gold and a black wheel, representing the principal pursuits of the area: coal mining, farming and grazing, and industry and trade. Below this, the field is green, with a blue downward pointed triangle (pile) bordered gold, portraying a port with the waters of the sea thrusting into the green land. Fertility is emphasised by the gold border. The crest is a lighthouse, for the Nobby's Head lighthouse at the entrance to the harbour, and sits on a helmet with mural crown (city status) and blue, green and gold mantling. The arms stand on a compartment depicting the golden sand and white waves of the city's beaches (with a scroll inscribed "Enterprise") and are supported by two seagulls with mural crowns (the setting and nature of the city).
Flag of Perth.svg 1949–present Flag of the City of Perth Saint George's Cross overlaid with the City of Perth coat of arms in the centre.
City of Sydney Flag.svg 1908–present Flag of the City of Sydney The flag is a horizontal triband of three colours – white, gold and blue. The top third features three designs. In the top left the arms belong to Thomas Townshend, Viscount Sydney, after whom the city was named. The English Naval Flag in the centre acknowledges the role Arthur Philip played in Sydney's foundation. The red cross is overlaid with a globe and two stars – the principal features of James Cook's Arms, which were granted as a posthumous honour for his service in mapping Australia. The arms in the top right belong to the first Lord Mayor of Sydney, Thomas Hughes. It was during his term of office that the title of Mayor became Lord Mayor, and the official coat of arms for the city was granted. The remaining field of the flag features a ship under full sail, an allusion to the prominence of Sydney as a maritime port.
circa 1960–2008 Flag of the City of Toowoomba The flag of Toowoomba city is a violet coloured ensign which makes reference to the city's floral emblem of the day, the Toowoomba Violet (aka the sweet violet, Lat. 'Viola odorata').

Notable is the city's coat of arms in the centre of the ensign and the city's name on the left of the flag, lettered from top to bottom.

2008–present Flag of Toowoomba A new Toowoomba flag was created in 2007 and became the official flag of the Toowoomba Region on 15 March 2008 with the amalgamation of 8 councils; The councils were Clifton Shire, Crows Nest Shire, Cambooya Shire, Jondaryan Shire, Millmerran Shire, Pittsworth Shire, Rosalie Shire and Toowoomba City.

The predominant colours are white and teal. The three white rings in the flag intersect to create eight spaces from their loops and exterior, symbolising the unity of the eight amalgamated former councils. The colour of teal also represents unity.

1965–present Flag of Wagga Wagga Officially, the Wagga Wagga City Flag is square. The upper quarter of the flag contains eight stalks of wheat positioned so as to form two capital letters W on a vert (green) field. The lower quarter of the upper half of the flag contains a wavy blue line on gold (yellow) representing the river winding through the wheat fields. The lower half of the flag contains the head of a ram positioned centrally on a vert (green) field.
Murray River Flag (Upper).svg 1850–present Upper Murray River Flag Flown by vessels on the upper reaches of the Murray River, predominantly in Victoria. The blue bars are said to represent the four major rivers that form the Murray-Darling River system and their dark hue represents the darker colour of the Murray River's darker waters in Victoria and NSW.
Murray River Flag (Lower).svg 1850–present Lower Murray River Flag Flown by vessels on the lower reaches of the Murray River, predominantly in South Australia. The blue bars are said to represent the four major rivers that form the Murray-Darling River system and their light hue represents the lighter colour of the Murray River's lighter waters in South Australia.
Flag of Lord Howe Island.svg 1998–present Flag of Lord Howe Island, New South Wales Despite being an unofficial flag of a state-integrated island, it is used to represent the island.

Political flags

Flag Date Party Description
Wentworth and Bland political flag.svg 1843 William Wentworth and William Bland (flag) Election banner for William Wentworth and William Bland who ran on a joint ticket in the City of Sydney for the New South Wales Legislative Council in the first colonial election of 1843.
A de facto flag used by the CPA.svg 1940s–1950s Communist Party of Australia (1920) De facto flag seen on photos.
Flag of the New England New State Movement.svg 1960s New England New State Movement
Eco Warriors Flag.svg 1990s–present Eco Warriors Flag
1996–present Progressive Labour Party

Arflag.svg

2016–present Antipodean Resistance
Australian Greens flag.svg 1992–present Australian Greens
CPA-flag-2020-rgb.png 2020s–present Communist Party of Australia (1971)
EAM Flag.png 2020–present National Socialist Network (NSN) One of two flags used.
Anarchist-Communist Eureka Flag.svg Anarchist-Communist Eureka Flag
Green Eureka Flag.svg Green Eureka flag used by environmental protestors against coal seam gas exploitation.

Religious flags

Flag Date Use Description
Anglican Church of Australia.svg Flag of the Anglican Church of Australia A red St. George's Cross bordered in white, on a field of dark blue, with four white eight pointed stars in each of the four quarters. In the centre is a gold bishop's mitre.
Flag of the Grand Orange Lodge of Australia.svg Flag of the Grand Orange Lodge of Australia An orange ensign with the Australian flag in the canton and an open book surmounted by a Saint Edward's Crown in the lower fly.
Flag of the Loyal Orange Institution of Victoria.svg Flag of the Loyal Orange Institution of Victoria An orange ensign with a Saint George's Cross in the canton, and a Southern Cross with a Saint Edward's Cross above it and an open book below it in the fly.

Ethnic groups flags

Indigenous

Flag Date Use Description
Adnyamathanha Flag.svg 2011–present Flag of Adnyamathanha
Anangu Traditional Owners Flag.svg  ?–present Flag of Aṉangu
Larrakian-flag.svg 1972–present Flag of the Larrakia people
Flag of Murrawarri Republic.svg 2013–present Flag of Muruwari
Flag of Murray Island (Mer).svg 1980s–present Flag of MeriamMurray Island The flag of Murray Island is made of three vertical stripes, red-white-black. In canton, a brown leaf is placed in a white disk. Eight white six-pointed stars surround the disk.
Ngarrindjeri Nation Flag.svg 1999–present Flag of Ngarrindjeri
Flag of Saibai Island.svg 2001–present Flag of Saibai Island

Copyrighted flag.svg

1995–present Flag of Tunuvivi
2021–present Flag of Taungurung A rectangle diagonally divided by a yellow wavy line. (Heraldic) The right side is ocher with the 7 stars arranged into the constellation of the Pleiades, the left side is black.

Immigrants

Flag Date Use Description
Australian South Sea Islanders flag.svg 1998–present Flag of South Sea Islanders

Historical flags

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Great Britain (1707-1800).svg 1788–1801 Union Flag The Union Flag of the Kingdom of Great Britain. Raised by Captain Arthur Phillip RN on 26 January 1788 at Sydney Cove upon the landing of the First Fleet.
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 1801–1903 Union Flag The Union Flag of the United Kingdom.
Bowman Flag.svg 1806 Bowman flag A white swallow-tail fly, with a crest featuring the Rose of England, the thistle of Scotland and the shamrock of Northern Ireland supported by an emu and kangaroo. The design was an inspiration for Australia's national coat of arms.
Australian Colonial Flag.svg 1823/24–1831 National Colonial Flag for Australia A British White Ensign, featuring four white stars on the red cross
Australian Federation Flag.svg
Naval Ensign of New South Wales (1831-1883).svg
1831–1903 (de facto Flag of Australia); 1903–1920s (still commonly used) Australian Federation Flag/New South Wales Ensign A British White Ensign, featuring the Cross in Azure with five Argent Stars often varying between 5–8 Points. It was the de facto flag of Australia from 1 January 1901 to 3 September 1901. It was widely used in New South Wales as a local shipping ensign until 1883 when the Admiralty banned its continued use at sea. The Australian government received approval to fly the Blue Ensign in 1903—but the Australian Federation Flag was still commonly unofficially used by members of the populace as late as the 1920s.
AntiTransportation League Flag.svg 1849–1853 Australasian Anti-Transportation League Flag British Blue Ensign, with yellow Southern Cross and white border, to which branch names were added
Van Diemens Land Ensign.svg 1850s–1875 Van Diemen's Land Ensign A British White Ensign, featuring six blue bars
Theeurekaflag.jpg
Eureka Flag.svg
1854 Eureka Flag The battle flag of the Eureka Stockade featured the five stars of the constellation Crux Australis in white on a white cross and blue field
Queensland Separation Flag.svg 1859 Queensland Separation Flag The Queensland Separation Flag, flown on 10 December 1859 to mark Queensland becoming a separate colony from New South Wales. A red cross on a light blue field, with the Union Jack in the canton.
LambingFlatRollUpBanner reworked.jpg
Lambing Flat riots flag alternate.svg
Lambing Flat riots banner flag.svg
1860s Lambing Flat riots banner, flag and banner flag Flags associated with the Anti-Chinese Lambing Flat riots.
Flag of the British Empire (Dangarsleigh War Memorial).svg Post 1910–c. 1945 British Empire flag An unofficial flag of the British Empire featuring its constituent dominions and India. The Australian coat of arms are featured in the bottom right. It was flown by civilians as a display of patriotism on special occasions such as Empire Day. The flag was flown at the official unveiling of the Dangarsleigh War Memorial in 1921, and again at the centennial in 2021.
Australian Honour Flag.svg 1918 Australian Honour Flag Awarded to towns who exceeded double their quota of war funding.
1988 Bicentennial Flag The 200th anniversary of European settlement in Australia
2001 Centenary of Federation Flag The 100th anniversary of Federation – the establishment of the Commonwealth of Australia

House flags of Australian freight companies

Flag Date Company Description
Blue Star Line Cruises Flag 2.svg 2012–present Blue Star Line
House flag of Sydney Ferries.svg 1991–present Sydney Ferries
House Flag of the Australasian United Steam Navigation Company.svg 1887–1961 Australasian United Steam Navigation Company
Gascogne drapeau.svg 1881–1887 Queensland Steam Shipping Company
Adelaide Steamship Company house flag.svg 1875–2006 Adelaide Steamship Company
House flag of McIlwraith, McEacharn & Co.svg 1875–1993 McIlwraith, McEacharn & Co
Civil Ensign of Switzerland.svg 1858–1955 Illawarra Steam Navigation Company

Yacht clubs of Australia

Flag Club
Burgee of Black Rock Yacht Club.svg Black Rock Yacht Club
Burgee of the Adelaide University Sailing Club.png Adelaide University Sailing Club
Burgee of balmainsc.svg Balmain Sailing Club
Burgee of cruisingycaus.svg Cruising Yacht Club of Australia
Burgee of Hamilton Island YC.svg Hamilton Island Yacht Club
Burgee of Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron.svg Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron
Burgee of royal perth yc.svg Royal Perth Yacht Club
Burgee of the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania (RYCT).svg Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania
Burgee of rsys.svg Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron
Burgee of Sandringham Yacht Club.svg Sandringham Yacht Club
Burgee of Sun City YC.svg Sun City Yacht Club
Burgee of the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club.svg Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club
Burgee of the Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club.svg Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club
Burgee of the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron.svg Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron
Burgee of Manly Yacht Club (MYC).svg Manly Yacht Club
Ensign of the Little Ship Yacht Club.svg Little Ship Yacht Club
Ensign of the Royal Motor Yacht Club of New South Wales.svg Royal Motor Yacht Club of New South Wales

Other flags/Micronational flags

See also

  • List of proposed Australian flags
  • Flags of the governors of the Australian states
  • List of Christmas Island Flags
  • List of Cocos (Keeling) Islands Flags
  • List of Norfolk Island Flags
  • Advance Australia Fair
  • Australian flag debate
  • Flag of New Zealand
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