The Flag of Queensland is the official flag of the Australian state of Queensland.

Queensland’s state flag is a British Blue Ensign with a white disc bearing the state badge added in the fly. The badge consists of a light blue Maltese Cross with a Saint Edward’s Crown in the centre. The flag, with minor variations, dates from 1876, and the badge was designed in 1876 by William Hemmant, the Colonial Secretary and Treasurer of Queensland.

Design Details

The state badge’s design has evolved slightly over time. The current flag design features the state badge on a blue field. The state emblem is a light blue Maltese cross a Royal Crown. The Maltese cross and star represent the country’s ties to the British Empire. The crown symbolises Queensland’s status as a British colony. The Queensland flag is officially described as “On a Roundel Argent a Maltese Cross Azure surmounted with a Royal Crown”.

Usage

The Flag of Queensland has been used in many different contexts over time, including official government events and celebrations. It can be seen flying at government buildings around Brisbane and even flown alongside flags from other nations during international sporting events. On ANZAC Day (April 25th) it has become customary for people to fly this flag to commemorate those who have served their country both overseas and at home.

Flags should be flown on these special occasions

• The Queensland flag should be flown on the following special occasions:
• The Commonwealth of Australia was founded on January 1, 1901.
• Australia Day is observed on January 26.
• Her Majesty’s Accession Day is February 6th. The monarch
• Anzac Day, April 25 (flags at half-mast until noon, then at full mast until sunset)
• Her Majesty’s Coronation Day June 2nd.
• Queensland Day is celebrated on June 6th.
• The Consort of the Sovereign’s birthday is June 10th.
• King’s birthday weekend, June Monday holiday
• United Nations Day is celebrated on October 24 (the United Nations Flag should be honoured).
• Remembrance Day, November 11 (flags at top of mast until 10.30am; half-mast from 10.30am to 11.02am; top of mast from 11.02am to sunset)
• The Heir Apparent’s Birthday is November 14th.

Free Queensland Flag

Do you want to proudly display the Queensland flag? The Queensland Government provides free state flags to a variety of select organisations throughout the state.

You can request a free flag from your local State Member of Parliament (Here) if you are a school, a recognised educational establishment, youth organisation, a community service group, a charity, a sporting club, or a local government authority. Other groups can be considered on their own merits, but if a group is engaged in commercial activities, it is not eligible for a free flag.

It’s never been easier to show your appreciation for Queensland and everything it has to offer. With a state flag flying high, you can show your pride in everything our state stands for.

Contact your member of Parliament to request your free Queensland state flag. Together, we can proudly and honourably fly the flag of our great state.

Flag Flying Guide

• Other national flags should be flown on separate staffs at the same height. All flags should be the same size if possible. The national flag of Australia should be hoisted first and lowered last.
• The flag should always be flown or displayed with dignity, and flags should never be used to unveil a monument or plaque, used as a table or seat cover, or allowed to fall to or lie on the ground.
• Unless properly illuminated, flags should not be flown at night.
• It is best to avoid flying multiple flags from the same halyard.
• A tattered or dilapidated flag should not be flown or displayed. When a flag no longer serves its purpose, it should be destroyed privately.

In the late 18th century, a British navigator by the name of Captain James Cook embarked on a journey that would forever change the course of history for the land Down Under. Sailing on the HMS Endeavour, Cook set out to explore the vast Pacific Ocean, with a specific focus on mapping the unknown eastern coast of Australia.

As the Endeavour sailed along the coast, Cook and his crew encountered a diverse array of landscapes and indigenous peoples. On the mainland of what is now the state of Queensland, they first spotted towering cliffs and lush tropical forests. Further along, they encountered pristine sandy beaches and crystal clear waters teeming with marine life.

Cook and his men made several landings along the Queensland coast, each one revealing new and fascinating discoveries. They named Cape York, the northernmost point of the Australian mainland, and the Endeavour River, where they had to repair the ship after damaging it on a reef. They also named Glass House Mountains, a group of steep peaks on the coast, which reminded them of the glass furnaces in their homeland.

First Encounters

As Captain James Cook and his crew sailed along the rugged coast of what is now Queensland, Australia, they couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the new land they had discovered. But as they approached the shore, they were met with something they had never encountered before – the Indigenous Australians of Queensland.

Cook and his men were greeted by a diverse array of Indigenous peoples, each with their own unique customs and traditions. Some were fiercely independent and wary of the strangers in their land, while others were curious and welcoming.

One of Cook’s first encounters was with the Guugu Yimithirr people, who inhabited the area around what is now Cooktown. The sailors were struck by the complexity of the Guugu Yimithirr’s language, which included over 400 words for different types of trees and plants. They also observed the traditional hunting and gathering practices of the Guugu Yimithirr, and were fascinated by their deep connection to the land.

Further south, Cook and his crew encountered the Bidjara people, who were known for their intricate body painting and ceremonial dances. The sailors were struck by the beauty and symbolism of the Bidjara’s art, and were fascinated by the deep spiritual beliefs that underpinned their culture.

As the Endeavour continued its journey along the Queensland coast, Cook and his men encountered many other Indigenous peoples, each with their own unique way of life. They observed complex social structures, intricate ceremonies, and a deep reverence for the natural world.

Despite the initial cultural differences, Cook and his men formed friendships with many Indigenous Australians and established a mutual understanding through trade and communication. But their encounters were also marked by conflicts, as the Indigenous peoples were not always willing to accept the British presence in their land.

Cook’s encounters with the Indigenous Australians of Queensland were a defining moment in the history of both the British and the Indigenous peoples. Cook and his crew were able to gain a glimpse into the rich and diverse cultures of the Indigenous Australians, and the Indigenous peoples were able to gain a glimpse into the ways of the British. These encounters would forever shape the relationship between the two cultures and have a lasting impact on the land and its people.

Mapping of Australia’s East Coast

But Cook’s voyage wasn’t just about discovery and exploration. His mapping and charting of the area helped to establish the British claim to the eastern coast of Australia, paving the way for future colonization and the eventual formation of the state of Queensland.

Cook’s journey along the Queensland coast was a defining moment in Australian history, one that continues to shape the region to this day. His legacy lives on in the names and landmarks he left behind, a testament to the enduring impact of his expedition. So next time you visit Queensland, take a moment to remember the man who helped to shape the history of this beautiful land.