Geographys

Australia’s state and territory flags

Six states flying blue ensigns with a badge in the fly, two mainland territories that went their own way, and three island territories.

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The six states began as separate British colonies, and each still flies a British Blue Ensign with its own badge in the fly, the pattern the Royal Navy set for colonial ships in 1865. The two mainland territories, created later, have flags in their own colours.

The states

  • Flag of New South Wales

    New South Wales

    A lion and four stars on a St George’s cross, on the Blue Ensign.

  • Flag of Victoria

    Victoria

    The Southern Cross under a crown, on the Blue Ensign.

  • Flag of Queensland

    Queensland

    A crowned Maltese cross in a white disc, on the Blue Ensign.

  • Flag of South Australia

    South Australia

    A piping shrike in a gold disc, on the Blue Ensign.

  • Flag of Western Australia

    Western Australia

    A black swan in a gold disc, on the Blue Ensign.

  • Flag of Tasmania

    Tasmania

    A red lion in a white disc, on the Blue Ensign.

The mainland territories

  • Flag of Australian Capital Territory

    Australian Capital Territory

    Blue and gold, Canberra’s colours, with the Southern Cross and the city’s arms.

  • Flag of Northern Territory

    Northern Territory

    Black and ochre, with the Southern Cross and a Sturt’s desert rose.

External territories

On the globe

More flags

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