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Australia’s symbols · 1 min read

Australia’s symbols

Commonwealth Coat of Arms

The Commonwealth Coat of Arms is the official symbol of the Commonwealth of Australia. It represents our national unity. It identifies the authority and property of the Commonwealth of Australia.

• The shield in the centre represents the six states and federation.

• A kangaroo and an emu support the shield on each side. Both are native Australian animals.

• A gold Commonwealth Star sits above the shield.

• The background is the golden wattle, Australia’s national flower.

Australia’s national flower

Australia’s national flower is the golden wattle. This small tree grows mainly in south-eastern Australia. It has bright green leaves and many golden yellow flowers in spring. Each of the states and territories of Australia also has its own floral emblem.

Australia’s national colours

Australia’s national colours are green and gold—the colours of the golden wattle. The uniforms of our national sports teams are usually green and gold.

Australia’s national gemstone

The opal is Australia’s national gemstone. According to Aboriginal legend, a rainbow touched the earth and created the colours of the opal.

Test yourself on this topic

11 questions on this topic, each with the answer explained.

  1. 1. According to Aboriginal legend, how were the colours of the opal created?

    • A rainbow touched the earth
    • The sun set over the desert
    • A star fell into the sea
    • A fire burned in the night sky

    Explanation: The legend says the many colours in the stone came from a rainbow that reached down and touched the ground.

  2. 2. As well as the national flower, what does each Australian state and territory have?

    • Its own floral emblem
    • Its own national gemstone
    • Its own national colours
    • Its own national anthem

    Explanation: Every state and territory has chosen a flower of its own as an emblem.

  3. 3. What does the shield in the centre of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms represent?

    • The native animals of Australia
    • The six states and New Zealand
    • The six states and federation
    • The Commonwealth Parliament

    Explanation: The shield stands for the six states and their coming together as a federation.

  4. 4. What forms the background of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms?

    • The waratah flower
    • The kangaroo paw
    • The golden wattle
    • The Southern Cross

    Explanation: Australia's national flower, the golden wattle, is shown behind the shield and the animals.

  5. 5. What is Australia's national gemstone?

    • The opal
    • The diamond
    • The pearl
    • The sapphire

    Explanation: The opal is the gemstone chosen to represent Australia.

  6. 6. What is the Commonwealth Coat of Arms?

    • The badge worn by the Australian Defence Force
    • The official symbol of the Commonwealth of Australia
    • The seal used by each state government
    • The official flag of the Australian Parliament

    Explanation: The Coat of Arms is the national symbol of the Commonwealth and stands for our unity as one country.

  7. 7. What sits above the shield on the Commonwealth Coat of Arms?

    • A small Union Jack
    • A silver Southern Cross
    • A gold Commonwealth Star
    • A green wattle wreath

    Explanation: The gold Commonwealth Star is placed at the top, above the shield.

  8. 8. When does the golden wattle produce its golden yellow flowers?

    • In winter
    • All year round
    • In autumn
    • In spring

    Explanation: The tree carries bright green leaves and many golden yellow flowers during spring.

  9. 9. Where does the golden wattle mainly grow?

    • In north-western Australia
    • In the Torres Strait
    • In central Australia
    • In south-eastern Australia

    Explanation: The golden wattle is a small tree found mostly in the south-east of the country.

  10. 10. Which TWO native animals support the shield on the Commonwealth Coat of Arms?

    • An emu
    • A wombat
    • A koala
    • A kangaroo

    Explanation: A kangaroo stands on one side of the shield and an emu on the other; both are native to Australia.

  11. 11. Why are green and gold Australia's national colours?

    • They are the colours of the national gemstone
    • They are the colours of the Coat of Arms shield
    • They are the colours of the golden wattle
    • They are the colours of the national flag

    Explanation: Green and gold were chosen because they are the colours of the golden wattle, our national flower.

From Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet