Ruqayyah Snyder
The Australian flag is a recognisable symbol of the Australian Parliament and is flown above Parliament House in Canberra 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The flag, which measures 12.8 metres by 6.4 metres, is the largest in the country and sits on top of an 81-metre-high flagpole. It marks the exact centre of the building and can be seen from most parts of the city. The flag is changed on the first Wednesday of every month and weighs approximately 15 kg.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flag size | 12.8m x 6.4m |
| Flag weight | 15 kg |
| Flagpole height | 81m |
| Number of flags on flagpoles next to the entrance of the House of Representatives | 3 |
| Number of flags permanently hung in the House of Representatives | 4 |
| Number of flags hung at the entrance of the House of Representatives that are changed daily | 2 |
| Frequency of flag change | First Wednesday of every month |
| Number of people required to raise and lower the flag | 3 |
| Building location | Canberra |
| Building designer | Mitchell/Giurgola & Thorp Architects |
| Building contractor | Concrete Constructions and John Holland |
| Building area | 250,000+ square metres |
| Number of rooms in the building | 4,700 |
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What You'll Learn
The flag's dimensions are 12.8m by 6.4m
The Australian flag flying above Parliament House in Canberra is 12.8 metres by 6.4 metres in size. Weighing approximately 15 kg, it is the largest flag in the country and marks the exact centre of the building. Flown from an 81-metre-high mast, the flag is intended to be seen from most parts of the city. It is illuminated at night and flown 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The flag is changed once a month, on the first Wednesday. This task requires three people: two to be lifted 60 metres up the flagmast in a hydraulic cage, and a third to control the winches. The flag is floodlit at night, ensuring it remains a prominent and recognisable symbol of Australian Parliament.
The flag's size is symbolic of the importance of the Commonwealth of Australia, represented by the Commonwealth Coat of Arms at the entrance to Parliament House. The flag's dimensions are also reflective of the building's grand scale: Parliament House covers 80 acres and has 4,700 rooms. It is one of the largest buildings in the southern hemisphere, measuring 300 metres by 300 metres, with a floor area of more than 250,000 square metres.
The flag's design includes the Commonwealth Star, which has seven points representing the six states and Australia's territories. The Southern Cross constellation, visible only in the southern hemisphere, is also featured. The flag's colours are echoed by the national floral emblem, the golden wattle, which grows in the gardens of Parliament House and is depicted in wooden artworks in the marble foyer.
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It weighs 15kg
The Australian flag flying above Parliament House in Canberra is an impressive sight. It is the country's largest flag, measuring 12.8 metres by 6.4 metres, and weighing 15kg. This iconic symbol of Australia marks the exact centre of the building and can be seen from most parts of the city. The flag is flown 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is illuminated at night by floodlights.
The flag's weight of 15kg is a notable feature, and it takes three people to manage the flag-raising and lowering process. Two people are lifted 60 metres up the 81-metre flagpole in a hydraulic cage called the Alimak, while a third person operates the winches below. The flag is usually changed on the first Wednesday of every month, or on the next fine day if the weather is stormy or windy.
The flag's weight and size are significant not just from a practical standpoint but also symbolically. The flag's dimensions—equivalent to the size of a double-decker bus—are intended to make it a prominent and recognisable emblem of Australian Parliament. The weight of the flag, though not immediately apparent to observers, is a reminder of the physical presence and impact of this important national symbol.
The flag's design also carries symbolic meaning. The Union Jack, for instance, represents Australia's historical connection to Britain and its continuing place in the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth Star's seven points stand for the six states and Australia's territories, while the Southern Cross constellation signifies Australia's location in the Southern Hemisphere.
Beyond its weight and dimensions, the Australian flag at Parliament House holds deeper significance as a symbol of national unity and identity. Its presence at the centre of the building, visible from across Canberra, serves as a constant reminder of the country's sovereignty and the values it upholds.
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It's flown on an 81m-high flagpole
The Australian flag flown on top of Parliament House in Canberra is flown on an 81-metre-high (266 ft) flagpole. The flag is the largest in the country, measuring 6.4 metres (21 feet) by 12.8 metres (42 feet), approximately the size of a double-decker bus, and weighing around 15 kg (33 lb). It is flown 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is illuminated by floodlights at night, ensuring that it remains visible even after dark.
The flagpole is made of stainless steel and is located at the centre of the building, marking the midpoint between the two chambers of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The flag is changed once a month, on the first Wednesday, weather permitting. When the weather is stormy or windy, the flag is changed on the subsequent fine day. The task requires three people: two are transported 60 metres up the flagpole in a hydraulic cage called the Alimak, while a third person remains on the ground to operate the winches.
The flag's position at the centre of the building and its height are symbolic. The Australian flag is one of the country's most recognisable symbols, and its prominence atop the Parliament House was designed to be a powerful and visible symbol of the Australian Parliament. The height of the flagpole also contributes to the building's overall stature, making it one of the largest structures in the southern hemisphere.
The Parliament House in Canberra is situated on Capital Hill, at the intersection of Commonwealth, Adelaide, Canberra, and Kings Avenues. The building was designed by Mitchell/Giurgola & Thorp Architects and constructed by a joint venture between Concrete Constructions and John Holland. It is built on 80 acres of land and features two large curved walls that divide the structure into four quadrants: the formal entrance and event space, the House of Representatives, the executive wing, and the Senate.
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It's changed monthly
The Australian flag is a prominent and recognisable symbol of the Australian Parliament. The flag, measuring 12.8 metres by 6.4 metres, is changed monthly to ensure that it remains in good condition. Flying 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and floodlit at night, it is important that the flag is maintained and presented in a respectful manner.
The flag is a significant marker of Australia's identity and values. With its large dimensions, it is visible from most parts of Canberra. The flag's design includes the Union Jack, representing Australia's historical link with Britain, the Commonwealth Star with 7 points, and the Southern Cross constellation, visible only in the southern hemisphere.
The flag is flown on a 81-metre-high mast, marking the exact centre of Parliament House. As one of the largest buildings in the southern hemisphere, with dimensions of 300 metres by 300 metres and a floor area exceeding 250,000 square metres, the flag's central position is a notable feature.
The maintenance of the flag is a careful and respectful process. Each month, a new flag is hoisted, ensuring that it remains in pristine condition. This regular change ensures that the symbol of the nation is always presented with dignity and honour.
The Australian flag at Parliament House serves as a constant reminder of the country's pride and sovereignty. Its prominent position and careful maintenance reflect the respect and significance attached to this national symbol. The monthly change ensures that the flag remains a source of unity and inspiration for all Australians.
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Four Australian flags are hung permanently in the House of Representatives
The Australian flag is one of the country's most recognisable symbols. The flag flown over Parliament House is 12.8 metres by 6.4 metres and sits on top of an 81-metre-high mast. It is flown 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is illuminated at night. The flag is positioned at the exact centre of the building, making it visible from most parts of Canberra.
The Australian flag has three elements that represent the country's heritage and values. The Southern Cross constellation indicates Australia's geographic position in the Southern Hemisphere and is significant in Aboriginal mythology. The Union Jack acknowledges the historical influence of British settlements, which brought the national language, parliamentary government, and the rule of law. The "Commonwealth Star" represents a shared democratic future, with its seven points representing the six states and Australia's territories.
The Australian flag was designed through a public competition, with the winning design including the Union Jack and Southern Cross. The final approval rested with King Edward VII and the British Admiralty, as the flag was considered a naval ensign. The flag was first flown in 1901 but was not officially proclaimed as the national flag until 1953.
In addition to the Australian flag, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags are also flown at Parliament House, recognising the country's Indigenous heritage. These flags have been permanently raised at Government House in South Australia, coinciding with the start of National Reconciliation Week.
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Frequently asked questions
The Australian flag flying on top of Parliament House measures 12.8 metres by 6.4 metres and weighs approximately 15 kg.
Parliament House is located in Canberra, on the southern apex of the National Triangle atop Capital Hill.
The flag on top of Parliament House is meant to be a prominent and recognisable symbol of the Australian Parliament. It can be seen from most parts of Canberra and is flown 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The flag is usually changed on the first Wednesday of every month. If the weather is too windy or stormy, the flag change is postponed until the next fine day.
Yes, there are several other flags in Parliament House. The Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag are on flagpoles next to an entrance in the House of Representatives. Additionally, four Australian flags are permanently hung in the House of Representatives, and two other flags are changed daily at the entrance.
