What Do the Stars on the Australian Flag Mean?

On the Australian flag, the cluster of five stars comprises the constellation of the Southern Cross, which is Australia's geographical location within the Southern Hemisphere. The Commonwealth Star represents the Federation of States as six points and their unity as the seventh point. Aside from the stars, the flag also contains the British Union Jack and a blue field, which symbolizes the flag's historical origins.

In 1901, entries from a competition in Melbourne yielded the flag's original design, with a Commonwealth Star featuring six points. This flag was first flown in Melbourne on September 3, 1901. Three crosses are on the flag, consisting of St. George, St. Andrew and St. Patrick.