Symbols and the national anthem
Australia's national symbols include the Commonwealth Coat of Arms, the golden wattle, the national colours of green and gold, the opal and the anthem 'Advance Australia Fair'. Expect questions on what each symbol is and what it shows.
What to remember
- Coat of Arms: shield = six states & federation, held by a kangaroo and an emu, with the Commonwealth Star above and golden wattle behind.
- National flower: golden wattle. National colours: green and gold. National gemstone: opal.
- National anthem: 'Advance Australia Fair'.
Sample questions
What is the official symbol of the Commonwealth of Australia?Show answer
- The golden wattle
- The opal
- The Commonwealth Coat of Arms
The Commonwealth Coat of Arms. The Commonwealth Coat of Arms is the official symbol of the Commonwealth of Australia. It represents national unity and identifies Commonwealth authority and property.
Which animals support the shield on the Commonwealth Coat of Arms?Show answer
- A kangaroo and an emu
- A lion and a unicorn
- A koala and a wombat
A kangaroo and an emu. A kangaroo and an emu support the shield on each side. Both are native Australian animals.
What does the shield in the centre of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms represent?Show answer
- The six states and federation
- The British Royal Family
- The Aboriginal peoples
The six states and federation. The shield in the centre of the Coat of Arms represents the six states and federation. A gold Commonwealth Star sits above it.
Source: Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, pp. 15–16. Read the full booklet on the Home Affairs website.