Australian Flags booklet

Australian Flags can be used as an educational resource and a source of general information about the history and proper use of the Australian National Flag and other flags of Australia by the Australian community, flag marshals and visitors to Australia.

Carrying the Australian National Flag in a procession

In a line of flags carried in single file, the Australian National Flag should always lead. Flags are carried so that the right hand of the carrier is above the left hand.

Drawn image of 4 people walking in line with flags with the Australian flag first

In a line of flags carried abreast, it is preferable to have an Australian National Flag carried at each end of the line.

Drawn image of 4 people halding flags in a line with the Australian flag first and last

If, however, only one Australian National Flag is available, the following applies:

  • If there is an odd number of flags, the Australian National Flag should be carried in the centre of the line.
  • The flag next highest in order of precedence should be flown to the left of the Australian National Flag (as seen by a viewer facing the flag bearers), the next ranking flag to the right of the Australian National Flag and so on.
Drawn image of 5 people walking in line holding flags with the Australian flag in the centre

If there is an even number of flags, the Australian National Flag should be carried on the right-hand end of the line facing the direction of movement (that is, the left end of the line as viewed by a person facing the flags).

Drawn image of Australian defence personnel holding flags with the Australian flag on the left