Victorian Flag

Victoria’s flag dates back to 1865, when Australian colonies were empowered to use vessels of war, and thus each colony needed its own distinctive flag.

The flag was first flown on 10 February 1870, aboard Victoria’s colonial warship HMVS Nelson.

Victoria was the first Australian colony to have its own flag – ‘five white stars, representing the constellation of the Southern Cross’.

An Imperial Crown was added to the design of the flag in 1877.

The depictions of the Crown have varied over the years in accordance with heraldic fashion and the wishes of the monarch.

Since 1953 the Imperial crown on the state flag is the St Edward's Crown.

Find information about flag protocols in our frequently asked questions.