National symbols of Australia facts for kids

Australia has many special symbols that help represent the country. These are like badges that show what Australia is all about. Each state and territory also has its own unique symbols.

Official Symbols of Australia

Australia has several official symbols chosen by the government. These symbols are very important to the nation.

The Australian Flag

The official Flag of Australia.

The Flag of Australia was first used on 3 September 1901. It shows the Southern Cross constellation, which is a group of stars seen in the southern sky. It also includes the Union Flag (the flag of the UK) and the Commonwealth Star. The Commonwealth Star has seven points, representing the six states and the territories of Australia.

The Coat of Arms

The Commonwealth Coat of Arms.

The Coat of arms of Australia was officially given by King George V on 19 September 1912. It features a shield with symbols of the six Australian states. On either side of the shield are a Red kangaroo and an Emu. These two animals are native to Australia and cannot easily walk backward, symbolizing progress. Above the shield is the Commonwealth Star.

National Songs

Australia has two important national songs.

"Advance Australia Fair"

"Advance Australia Fair" became Australia's official national anthem on 19 April 1984. It is sung at important national events and sporting matches.

"God Save the King"

"God Save the King" is Australia's Royal anthem. It is played when the King or other members of the Royal Family are present. It was also adopted on 19 April 1984.

Green and Gold: National Colours

Australia's national colours are green and gold. They were officially adopted on 19 April 1984. These colours are often seen on Australian national sporting teams' uniforms. The green represents the Australian landscape, and the gold represents the beaches, mineral wealth, and sunshine.   

Golden Wattle: Floral Emblem

The beautiful Golden Wattle.

The Golden Wattle is Australia's national floral emblem. It was adopted on 19 August 1988. This tree flowers in late winter and spring, showing beautiful golden-yellow blossoms.

Opal: Australia's Gemstone

A colourful Opal gemstone.

The Opal is Australia's national gemstone. It was officially adopted on 27 July 1992. Australia is famous for its opals, which are known for their amazing play of colours. Many communities in New South Wales, South Australia, and Queensland rely on opal mining.

Unofficial Symbols

Besides the official symbols, Australia also has many unofficial emblems that are widely recognized and loved.

Australia's National Animals

A Red Kangaroo, Australia's unofficial national mammal.

The Red kangaroo is considered an unofficial national mammal. It is the largest land mammal native to Australia. These kangaroos live across most of mainland Australia, avoiding only very fertile or dense rainforest areas.

The Emu, Australia's unofficial national bird.

The Emu is an unofficial national bird. It is a large, flightless bird found across most of mainland Australia. The emu has appeared on many Australian postage stamps. Both the kangaroo and emu are often seen as symbols of Australia because they are unique to the continent.

Traditional Dances

Australia has unofficial national dances that reflect its culture.

• Bush dance is a traditional Australian folk dance.
• Corroboree is a traditional dance among Aboriginal Australians. These dances are an important part of their cultural ceremonies.

Popular Australian Foods

A classic Australian Meat Pie.

Delicious Roast Lamb.

Australia has two unofficial national dishes:

• The Meat pie is a very popular snack. It is a small pie filled with minced meat and gravy.
• Roast lamb is a traditional meal often enjoyed by families.

The Didgeridoo

Different types of Didgeridoos.

The Didgeridoo is an unofficial national musical instrument. It is a wind instrument developed by Aboriginal Australians. For Aboriginal groups, the didgeridoo is still a key part of their ceremonies, accompanying singers and dancers.

Famous Australian Icons

Many other things are well-known symbols of Australian culture, even if they are not official emblems.

The Australian flag flying over Parliament House in Canberra, with the coat of arms sculpture.

Iconic Places

• Bondi Beach is a famous beach in Sydney, known for surfing and its lively atmosphere.
• The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system, off the coast of Queensland.
• Sydney Harbour Bridge is a huge steel arch bridge in Sydney, offering amazing views of the city.
• Sydney Opera House is a famous building with unique shell-like sails. It opened in 1973 and is a global symbol of Australia.
• Uluru (also known as Ayers Rock) is a massive sandstone rock formation in the Northern Territory. It is one of Australia's most recognizable natural landmarks and is very sacred to Indigenous Australians.

Famous Foods and Objects

An Akubra Hat.

• The Akubra Hat is a famous Australian hat, often worn in the Outback.
• Driza-Bone is a type of waterproof coat, popular among people working outdoors.

A tasty Pavlova.

• Pavlova is a delicious meringue cake with a crispy outside and soft, marshmallow-like inside. It is topped with whipped cream and fruit. Both Australia and New Zealand claim to have invented it!

Vegemite on toast.

• Vegemite is a very dark brown food spread made from yeast extract. Australians often eat it on toast. It has a strong, salty taste.

People and Characters

• A Bushranger was an outlaw in the Australian bush, often seen as a symbol of rebellion.
• Ned Kelly was a famous bushranger from the 19th century. He is a well-known figure in Australian history.
• The Boxing kangaroo is an unofficial national personification, often seen in sports.
• A Stockman is a person who works with livestock on a large farm (station) in the Australian Outback. They are a symbol of the tough, independent spirit of the bush.