Symbols of South Australia facts for kids

South Australia is one of Australia's states. Like many places, it has special symbols and emblems that represent its unique identity. These symbols help tell the story of South Australia's history, nature, and people.

Official Symbols of South Australia

South Australia has chosen several official symbols. Each one tells us something interesting about the state.

The State Flag

The Flag of South Australia is a special flag that represents South Australia. It was officially adopted on January 13, 1904. The flag shows a blue background with the Union Jack (the flag of the United Kingdom) in the top left corner. On the right side, it features the state's unique badge.

The official Flag of South Australia.

The State Badge

The State Badge of South Australia was adopted on January 14, 1904. It shows a "piping shrike" standing on a gum branch. The bird is looking towards a golden rising sun. The piping shrike is actually a type of Australian magpie, specifically the white-backed magpie. This bird is very common in South Australia and is known for its beautiful song.

The State Badge of South Australia.

The State Coat of Arms

A coat of arms is like a special design that represents a country, state, or family. The Coat of arms of South Australia was given to the state by Queen Elizabeth II on April 19, 1984. It replaced an older coat of arms. The design includes symbols that show South Australia's history and natural features.

The Coat of Arms of South Australia.

The State Colours

South Australia's official colours are Blue, red, and gold. These colours were chosen on November 25, 1982. They are often used in official events and designs to represent the state.    

The State Floral Emblem: Sturt's Desert Pea

The Sturt's desert pea is South Australia's official flower. It was chosen on November 23, 1961. This amazing flower, known scientifically as Swainsona formosa, has bright red petals with a black, pea-shaped center. It grows in the dry, desert areas of Australia and is very tough. It can survive in harsh conditions, making it a symbol of resilience.

Sturt's Desert Pea, South Australia's beautiful floral emblem.

The State Faunal Emblem: Hairy-Nosed Wombat

The Hairy-nosed wombat is South Australia's official animal. It was adopted on August 27, 1970. These cute, burrowing animals, scientifically named Lasiorhinus latifrons, are mostly active at night. They have soft fur and a distinctive hairy nose. They are found in parts of South Australia and are an important part of the state's wildlife.

The Hairy-Nosed Wombat, a unique Australian animal.

The State Gemstone Emblem: Opal

The Opal is South Australia's official gemstone. It was chosen on August 5, 1985. South Australia is famous for its opals, especially from places like Coober Pedy. Opals are known for their incredible play of colour, which changes as you look at them from different angles. They are formed from silica and water over millions of years.

A beautiful Opal, South Australia's gemstone emblem.

The State Mineral Emblem: Bornite

Bornite is South Australia's official mineral emblem, adopted on June 28, 2017. Bornite is also known as "peacock ore" because it often shows a mix of iridescent blue, purple, and red colours when it's exposed to air. It's a type of copper iron sulfide mineral.

Bornite, also known as "peacock ore".

The State Marine Emblem: Leafy Seadragon

The Leafy seadragon is South Australia's official marine animal. It was adopted on February 8, 2001. This amazing creature, Phycodurus eques, looks just like seaweed, which helps it hide from predators in the ocean. It has leaf-like growths all over its body and is found in the cool waters off the southern coast of Australia.

The incredible Leafy Seadragon, a master of camouflage.

The State Fossil Emblem: Spriggina floundersi

The fossil of Spriggina floundersi is South Australia's official fossil emblem. It was chosen on February 14, 2017. This tiny, ancient creature lived over 550 million years ago! Its fossils are found in the Ediacara Hills of South Australia, which is a very important place for understanding early life on Earth. Studying Spriggina helps scientists learn about some of the first complex animals.

A fossil of Spriggina floundersi.

The State Tartan

A tartan is a patterned cloth, usually associated with Scotland. South Australia has its own official tartan, adopted on February 18, 2018. It is known as the South Australia Official tartan. This tartan has specific colours and patterns that represent the state. It was officially recognized by Scottish tartan associations before being adopted by the state government.

The official South Australia Tartan.