Australia's symbols

The yarn

• The Commonwealth Coat of Arms is the official symbol of the Commonwealth of Australia and represents our national unity. It identifies the authority and property of the Commonwealth.
• On the Coat of Arms: the shield in the centre represents the 6 states and federation; a kangaroo and an emu support the shield; a gold Commonwealth Star sits above it; the background is golden wattle.
• Australia's national flower is the golden wattle, a small tree growing mainly in south-eastern Australia with golden yellow flowers in spring.
• Australia's national colours are green and gold — the colours of the golden wattle.
• The opal is Australia's national gemstone. According to Aboriginal legend, a rainbow touched the earth and created the colours of the opal.
• 'Advance Australia Fair' is Australia's national anthem, sung at occasions of national importance including citizenship ceremonies and major sporting events.