This year marks 125 years since the Australian National Flag was first flown above the dome of the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne on 3 September 1901.
Following an international design competition launched by Australia’s first Prime Minister, Sir Edmund Barton, the winning design became the flag as we know today. There were 32,823 entries, of which 5 nearly identical designs were awarded equal first.
To commemorate the day on which the Australian National Flag was first flown, Australians celebrate Australian National Flag Day on 3 September each year.
While our flag does not tell the full story of our nation, it remains an enduring symbol of unity and our shared achievements since Federation.
Today the flag flies above Parliament House, and alongside the Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag, in both chambers of Parliament.
The Australian Flags booklet is an educational resource and a source of general information about the history and proper use of the Australian National Flag and other flags of Australia. It is intended for the Australian community, flag marshals and visitors to Australia.
Learn more about the story and history of the Australian National Flag.