Australia and its people
Get to know the people, places and stories that make Australia home.
The First Peoples of Australia
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are Australia's first inhabitants. Their cultures and traditions are the oldest continuous cultures in the world. Aboriginal peoples are historically from mainland Australia and Tasmania. Torres Strait Islander peoples are from the islands between the northern tip of Queensland and Papua New Guinea.
These diverse cultures have deep connections to Country, expressed through stories, art, dance and continuing traditions. A Welcome to Country is given by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander custodian of the local region. Anyone can deliver an Acknowledgement of Country to recognise Traditional Custodians and pay respect to Elders past and present.
From colonies to a nation
The First Fleet, a group of 11 ships from Great Britain, arrived on 26 January 1788. Captain Arthur Phillip became the first Governor of the colony of New South Wales. Early free settlers came mainly from Great Britain and Ireland.
Gold was discovered in New South Wales and Victoria in 1851. The gold rush attracted people from around the world, including the first large group of non-European migrants, from China. Australia's population more than doubled in ten years.
On 1 January 1901, six colonies united as a federation called the Commonwealth of Australia. The Constitution established the national parliament, government and High Court. The 1967 referendum enabled Aboriginal people to be included in official population estimates and the Commonwealth to make laws for them.
A diverse community
After World War II, many Europeans migrated to Australia. Later migration and refugee programs brought people from across the world to reunite with family, build a new life or escape war and persecution. Australia values cultural diversity alongside a cohesive, united community.
English is Australia's national language. Learning English helps people participate in education, work and community life. Other languages, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, are also valued.
States, territories and capitals
Australia has six states and two mainland territories. Canberra, in the Australian Capital Territory, is the national capital and home to Parliament House and the High Court.
- New South Wales — Sydney. The first British colony; home to the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
- Victoria — Melbourne. The smallest mainland state; home to the Twelve Apostles and Royal Exhibition Building.
- Queensland — Brisbane. The Great Barrier Reef lies off its eastern coast.
- Western Australia — Perth. Australia's largest state; known for the Kimberley and Ningaloo Coast.
- South Australia — Adelaide. Known for the Barossa Valley and Flinders Ranges.
- Tasmania — Hobart. The smallest state, separated from the mainland by Bass Strait.
- Australian Capital Territory — Canberra.
- Northern Territory — Darwin. Home to Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon.
Important days
Australia Day is on 26 January. It is an opportunity to reflect on Australia's history and the contributions of all Australians, and many citizenship ceremonies take place on this day.
Anzac Day is on 25 April. It commemorates the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps at Gallipoli in 1915 and remembers the sacrifice of people who have served and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
Flags and national symbols
The Australian National Flag is blue, white and red. It includes the Union Jack, the Commonwealth Star and the Southern Cross. The Commonwealth Star has seven points: six for the states and one for the territories. The Southern Cross is a group of stars visible in the southern sky.
The Australian Aboriginal Flag has a black top half representing Aboriginal peoples, a red lower half representing the earth and its spiritual significance, and a yellow circle representing the sun. The Torres Strait Islander Flag uses green for land, blue for sea, black for the people, and a white dhari (headdress) and star. The five-pointed star represents the island groups and white represents peace.
The Commonwealth Coat of Arms is a symbol of the Commonwealth, with a kangaroo and emu supporting a shield of the six states. Australia's floral emblem is the golden wattle, its national colours are green and gold, its national gemstone is the opal, and its national anthem is Advance Australia Fair.