The design of the Australian Flag originated more than 100 years ago from a worldwide competition.  The specifications of the flag would actually change over the next few decades however, and the Australian Flag we are familiar with today was recognized in the Flags Act 1953.  Anyone who is familiar with the British Union Jack will recognize it upon the flag of Australia.  It is meant to symbolize part of the country’s history, as for a long time Australia was composed of six British colonies.  There are two other symbols upon the flag, the Commonwealth Star and the Southern Cross.  The star holds six points and is meant to represent all six Australian colonies.  The cross is a constellation that is prominent within the Southern Hemisphere’s night sky, and it has long been used to represent Australia.  For outlying countries, such as New Zealand, please navigate to our South Pacific Flags section.