Jan 23 2009
Australia’s National Emblems
Australia’s national floral emblem is the golden wattle (Acacia pycnantha Benth), a shrub which grows in the states of New South Wales, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory.
The Golden Wattle has bright yellow, fluffy and fragrant flowers that appear in late winter and spring. It officially became the country’s floral emblem in 1988 but it has appeared on the Australian Coat of Arms since 1912. Each of the states and territories of Australia also have their own floral emblems.
Since 1984, the colours of the golden wattle, gold and green, have been the national colours of Australia, worn by sportsmen and women and others representing their country.
A Red Kangaroo The kangaroo is the national animal emblem of Australia. It also appears on the national Coat of Arms of Australia.
The Coat of Arms of Australia
The national Coat of Arms is Australia’s official symbol. It was designed in 1912 and depicts a shield supported by a red kangaroo and an emu, with sprigs of golden wattle in the background, and the word ‘Australia’ on a scroll beneath. The shield is divided into six equal parts, on each of which is a badge of one of the states of Australia.
Since July 28th 1993, the opal has been the national gemstone of Australia in recognition of the fact that more than 95% of the world’s opals are mined in the desert areas of Australia.
