The Eureka Flag first hoisted in 1854

The Eureka Flag was first unfurled in 1854 in protest against heavy-handed, unelected officialdom. The proclamation was ‘the Australian flag [referring to the Eureka flag]  shall triumphantly wave, a symbol of liberty’. At the time, the raising of the flag was seen by officials as a traitorous act. To this day, it remains a potent symbol of Australian nationalism and democracy. The sight of the Eureka flag is sure to stir the blood of any dinkum Aussie.

Read about the event that inspired the Eureka Flag.

Eye witness account of the Eureka Flag being raised for the first time:

The 'Southern Cross' was hoisted up the flagstaff - a very splendid pole, eighty feet in length, and straight as an arrow... There is no flag in old Europe half so beautiful as the 'Southern Cross' of the Ballarat miners, first hoisted on the old spot, Bakery HIll. The flag is silk, blue background, with a large silver cross, similar to the one in our southern firmament; no device or arms, but all exceedingly chaste and natural.    Rafaello Carboni

The original Eureka Flag

The original Eureka flag still exists today, though fairly tattered, with pieces souvenired over the decades. The original Eureka flag is surprisingly large, being 4m x 2.6m (before the souveniring), and is currently held in low light conditions at the Art Gallery of Ballarat. It is very unusual for the original flag of a pivotal historic event to still be in existence, and is considered a national treasure.

The Aussie Rebel

Though Ned Kelly had no connection with the Eureka flag, the two are sometimes associated. This is a reflection of the 'Aussie Rebel' sentiments that often surround the flag. Its a little disconcerting to see some Australians using the American rebel (confederate) flag; a symbol which has little relevance here.

The Eureka flag was seen by officials as a symbol of rebellious miners. The flag was torn from its pride of place and desecrated. Their actions did nothing to dampen the spirit of the Eureka Flag. The miners' fight continued, successfully gaining many of the reforms they had called for.

The Eureka Flag, a shining symbol of the        Aussie FAIR GO

The great Australian ideal of a fair go for all. Some have said the Eureka rebellion was the birth of Aussie fair go. Its an ideal that has persisted through our history. You'll hear politicians speak the words frequently; evidence of the importance of the notion in the national psyche. Its what the miners were calling for... a fair go, without oppressive government. The Eureka flag is a shining symbol of the fair go.

The Southern Cross

The Southern Cross constellation, that is featured on the Eureka flag, is the most recognisable constellation in the southern hemisphere. By drawing a line through the two pointer stars, you can find the southern celestial pole. 

Early European explorers used it for navigation, and to calculate the time. As the only way to Australia was by sea, the southern cross was like a guiding post to the way down under. The Eureka flag captures these early patriotic sentiments growing around the constellation.