Every country has its own national flag – a symbol of national pride, and Australia happens to be represented not by one, but by three official national flags. Each flag represents the nation’s identity, heritage and unity. They are profound reflections of the country’s values and history. 

For those who want to honour the essence of Australia’s core values, there is a great selection of national flags of Australia made from durable and vibrant materials which can be used for the years to come. When displaying these flags, it’s vital to select the right material if you want to have a long-lasting design for both indoor and outdoor displays.   

How Many National Flags Are There in Australia?

The fact that Australia has three official flags speaks volumes about the country’s rich history and multiculturalism, with each flag holding equal importance and that’s the Aussie’s biggest pride. The three official national flags are The Australian National Flag, The Australian Aboriginal Flag and The Torres Strait Islander Flag. 

A wide range of high-quality national flags of Australia is available through online shops that are proudly Australian-owned and made. Here is a breakdown of each flag and what it represents. 

The Australian National Flag

Just like any other country in the world, Australia also has its national flag which is the most recognised symbol of Australia’s identity. The flag features the Union Jack in the top left corner which represents the country’s historical ties to the UK.

Bellow the Union Jack, you can see the Commonwealth Star, which has seven points, each representing Australia‘s six states and its territories. Another prominent feature is the Southern Cross constellation which is the flag’s right half, which symbolises the country’s geographic location in the southern hemisphere. 

The Australian National Flag reflects the nation’s heritage and unity, holding a special place in the hearts of Aussies. The national flag is proudly flown during national celebrations and official events, symbolising national pride and identity. 

The Australian Aboriginal Flag

It’s well known that the Aboriginal people were the first inhabitants of Australia, living on the land long before colonisation took place. Their long and rich history, marked by strength and resilience, is symbolised in the second national flag which is the Australian Aboriginal Flag. 

The Aboriginal Flag was designed by Harold Thomas in 1971. It’s divided into two halves: the top half is black and represents the Aboriginal people, while the bottom half is coloured red, symbolising the earth and their spiritual link to it. In the centre of the flag, there is a yellow circle, representing the sun which gives life and holds great cultural significance. 

The Aboriginal flag was officially recognised in 1995, giving the Aborigines representation at national level. Their deep and enduring connection to the land is now proudly flown and displayed at numerous national occasions and special events. 

The Torres Strait Islander Flag

The Torres Strait Islanders are the Indigenous people of the Torres Strait Islands, which is a group of 270 islands located between Queensland – Australia and Papua New Guinea. Just like the Aborigines, the Torre Strait Islanders have a distinct cultural identity which is now proudly represented in the third Australian flag – The Torres Strait Islander Flag. 

The flag was designed back in 1992 by Bernard Namok. The flag is designed with three horizontal stripes: green at the top and bottom, blue in the centre and thin black lines between these colours. The green symbolises the land, the blue colour represents the sea and the thin black lines represent the Torres people. 

At the centre of the flag there is a white Dhari, a traditional headdress which is a symbol of the islanders’ culture. Beneath the Dhari, there is a five-pointed star which represents the five major island groups and the unity of the Torres Strait Islanders. 

Choosing the Right Flag Material

Knitted Polyester

If you choose knitted polyester for your flag, you should know that this material is most suitable for indoor and low-wind areas. Knitted polyester is a lightweight and durable option for Australian flags intended to be displayed in areas with moderate climates. This material resists fading and fraying which ensures that your flag maintains its vibrant colours over the years. 

Woven Polyester

Woven polyester is a great option for flags that are intended to be flown in high-wind areas. As a material, woven polyester offers excellent durability and is less prone to tearing – thus, it can withstand strong winds. Woven polyester flags boast a rich texture and classic look, which scores another point for their versatility of use. 

Fully Sewn Flags

If you’re seeking for a premium-look flag, fully sawn flags are an excellent choice. These flags are also made from woven polyester, but each element of these flags is stitched together to create a robust and visually appealing design. They often feature intricate details and vibrant colours that stand out, making them ideal for special occasions.