Year 3 · History · Historical knowledge and understanding
Australian flags and symbols
Children learn about the Australian National Flag, the Aboriginal flag and the Torres Strait Islander flag, who designed them and what their colours and shapes represent.
Awaiting educator review. This material was drafted by our content team with AI assistance and is waiting for review by a qualified educator. Please check it suits your child before using it. Created 10 October 2026.
Learning goals
Learners will
- Identify Australia's three official flags.
- Describe what the parts of each flag represent.
Success looks like
- I can recognise the three official flags of Australia.
- I can explain what the colours of the Aboriginal flag represent.
- I can name a symbol on the Torres Strait Islander flag.
The big idea
A symbol stands for something else. Flags are symbols of countries and peoples. Australia has three official flags.
The Australian National Flag has the Union Jack in the top corner, showing Australia's history as British colonies. Below it is the large seven-pointed Commonwealth Star: six points for the six states and one for the territories. On the right is the Southern Cross, a group of stars seen in the southern sky.
The Aboriginal flag was designed by Harold Thomas, a Luritja man, and first flown in 1971. The black top half represents Aboriginal peoples, the red bottom half represents the earth and the red ochre used in ceremonies and the people's relationship to the land, and the yellow circle represents the sun, the giver of life.
The Torres Strait Islander flag was designed by Bernard Namok and first flown in 1992. The green stripes represent the land, the blue represents the sea, and the black lines represent the people. In the centre is a white dhari (headdress), and below it a white five-pointed star. The star's points represent the island groups, and white represents peace.
In 1995 both the Aboriginal flag and the Torres Strait Islander flag were proclaimed official flags of Australia.
Other national symbols include the Commonwealth Coat of Arms (with a kangaroo and emu), the national colours of green and gold, and the floral emblem, the golden wattle.
Worked examples
Reading the Aboriginal flag
What does each colour on the Aboriginal flag represent?
- Black (top half): Aboriginal peoples.
- Red (bottom half): the earth, red ochre and the relationship to the land.
- Yellow (circle): the sun, the giver of life.
Answer: Black = the people, red = the earth, yellow = the sun.
Counting the points
Why does the Commonwealth Star on the Australian National Flag have seven points?
- Australia has six states: one point each.
- One more point represents the territories.
- 6 + 1 = 7.
Answer: Six points for the states and one for the territories.
Practice check
Have a go, then check your answers. Each answer comes with an explanation.
Answer guide for parents
How many official flags does Australia have?
Three — The Australian National Flag, the Aboriginal flag and the Torres Strait Islander flag.
Who designed the Aboriginal flag?
Harold Thomas — Harold Thomas, a Luritja man, designed the Aboriginal flag.
What does the blue on the Torres Strait Islander flag represent?
The sea — Blue represents the sea.
What group of stars appears on the Australian National Flag?
The Southern Cross — The Southern Cross is shown on the Australian National Flag.
In what year were the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags proclaimed official flags of Australia?
1995 — Both flags were proclaimed official flags in 1995.
What colour is the circle on the Aboriginal flag?
yellow — The yellow circle represents the sun.
What is the name of the headdress shown on the Torres Strait Islander flag?
dhari — The dhari is a traditional headdress.
Australia's floral emblem is the golden ____.
wattle — The golden wattle is Australia's floral emblem.
Watch out for
- Children may think the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags are 'unofficial'. Both have been official flags of Australia since 1995.
- Some children think the Torres Strait Islander flag is the same as the Aboriginal flag. They are different flags for different peoples.
Tips for parents
- Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples are distinct peoples with their own cultures; use both names rather than treating them as one group.
- Point out flags you see in your community, such as at the council, school or library.
- Explanations of flag symbolism here are general; local First Nations organisations may share more about what the flags mean to their communities.
Go further
- Draw and label all three flags with what each part means.
- Design a flag for your family and explain the symbols you chose.
- Find out about your state or territory's flag and emblem.