Symbols & Emblems of NSW

A flag is an emblem which stands for its people, history and ideals. New South Wales has its own distinctive flag as well as its own coat of arms, crest, state flower, animal, bird and fish.



NSW State Flag

Image: NSW State Flag, Link to Emblem Book of NSWThe New South Wales State Flag has been in use since 1876. It includes the Union Jack and the NSW badge. For further information on the history, flying and storing the flag. PDF Icon - Link to Emblem Book of the State of NSW Emblem Book of the State of NSW.


NSW Coat of Arms

Image of the NSW State CrestThe New South Wales Coat of Arms is based on the Southern Cross with the British Lion in the centre and symbols of agriculture in the corners. It is supported by the British Lion and the Australian Kangaroo and was formally adopted in 1906. NSW motto "Newly risen, how brightly you shine".


NSW State Colour

Pantone 291  The official New South Wales colour is sky blue - sky blue pantone 291.


State Emblems

Image of a Waratah Floral Emblem - The Waratah (Telopea speciosissima) is the floral emblem of New South Wales, a large (10-12cm across) and spectacular scarlet flower growing in the bush in clumps of tall stems. The Waratah is protected by law.

Image of a Kookaburra Bird Emblem - The Kookaburra (Dacelo gigas) is the bird emblem of New South Wales. This great brown kingfisher is sometimes called a 'laughing jackass' because of its distinctive territorial laughing call. Meat eaters, they hunt snakes, lizards, fish and insects and live at forest edges, in clearings.

Image of a Playtypus Animal Emblem - The Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus), is the animal emblem of New South Wales. The platypus is a furry creature, about 30cm - 38cm long, it has webbed feet and a large duck-like bill which it uses to gather its food from the bottom of rivers.

Image of a Groper Fish Emblem - The Blue Groper (Achoerodus viridis) was proclaimed the State fish of New South Wales in 1998. A friendly but powerful coastal fish that often follows divers. It can be up to a metre long and weigh between 2 and 15kg, though some specimens may reach 40kg or more.

Image of a Black Opal Gemstone Emblem - The Black Opal was proclaimed the State gemstone of New South Wales in 2008. It is the most rare and valuable type of opal.


Events

  1. Winter Kids Camps: 4 - 24 July

    Young people learn social living skills, experience challenging activities, develop self-esteem and make new friends at these action-packed kids' holiday camps.

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