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Australian National Flag Day 2026: How to Display the Flag Correctly on 3 September
Australian National Flag Day 2026 is observed on 3 September, making it an important date for schools, councils, businesses and households to display the Australian National Flag correctly. In 2026, the day marks 125 years since the flag was first officially flown on 3 September 1901 at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne, the site of Australia’s first Parliament. Whether you’re raising the flag on a school flagpole, setting up a foyer display at a council building or ordering a flag for the first time, here is what you need to know.
Key takeaways
- Australian National Flag Day is observed on 3 September each year to commemorate the first time the flag was flown on 3 September 1901.
- PM&C encourages all Australians to fly or display the Australian National Flag on Australian National Flag Day — not just government departments and agencies.
- The flag should be raised no earlier than first light and lowered no later than dusk, unless it is illuminated at night.
- When flown in Australia, the Australian National Flag takes precedence over all other flags and should not be smaller than another flag or flown in an inferior position.
- Flagworld stocks Australian National Flags in a range of sizes and finish options, as well as flagpoles, foyer displays and Australian flag pull-up banners.
What is Australian National Flag Day?
Australian National Flag Day is the annual observance on 3 September that commemorates the day the Australian National Flag was first flown in 1901. PM&C describes it as a national day proclaimed in 1996 that celebrates the first flying of the flag on 3 September 1901. It is not a public holiday, but it is an opportunity for all Australians — from households to government departments — to fly or display the flag with pride.
Why 3 September matters
On 3 September 1901, the flag that would become the Australian National Flag was flown for the first time over the dome of the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne, where the first Commonwealth Parliament had opened. Known initially as the Commonwealth Blue Ensign, it was formally recognised as the Australian National Flag under the Flags Act 1953. Each 3 September, Australians mark that anniversary. In 2026, the day falls on a Thursday and marks the 125th anniversary of the first flying.
It is worth noting that 3 September is also Merchant Navy Day, which remembers the service of Australia’s merchant mariners during wartime. Organisations commemorating Merchant Navy Day may fly the Australian Red Ensign on that day alongside the Australian National Flag.
Who can display the Australian National Flag
Anyone can display the flag on Australian National Flag Day. PM&C asks Australian Government departments and portfolio agencies to fly or display the flag all day on 3 September and encourages all other organisations to follow the same protocol. Schools, councils, businesses, community groups, sporting clubs and households are all included in that invitation. There is no requirement to be a government body to observe the day.
How do you display the Australian flag correctly on 3 September?
On Australian National Flag Day, the Australian National Flag should be displayed respectfully, raised briskly, lowered ceremoniously, flown freely near the top of the flagpole, and not allowed to touch the ground. PM&C’s protocol says the flag should be used with respect and dignity at all times.
Raise it briskly and lower it with dignity
According to PM&C flag protocols, the flag should be raised briskly and lowered ceremoniously. When the flag is being raised or lowered, everyone present should stop, face the flag and be silent, with people in uniform saluting. The flag should be raised first and lowered last if it is being flown alongside other flags, unless all flags are raised and lowered simultaneously. Once it is up, the rope should be tightly secured and the flag should fly freely and as close as possible to the top of the flagpole.
Keep the flag clean, free and off the ground
PM&C protocol is clear that the flag should not be allowed to fall or lie on the ground. It should not be flown if it is damaged, faded or dilapidated — a worn flag left flying reflects poorly on the occasion. If the flag material has deteriorated beyond re-hemming, it should be retired privately and in a dignified way, such as cutting it into small unrecognisable pieces. PM&C also notes that the flag should not be flown upside down, even as a signal of distress.
What are the key Australian flag protocol rules?
The key protocol rules for the Australian National Flag cover timing (first light to dusk), illuminated night display, order of precedence when flying with other flags, and safe distances from other structures. Getting these right matters, particularly when the flag is being displayed at a public building, a school ceremony or a community event where multiple flags may be present.
First light, dusk and illuminated night display
PM&C protocol says the flag should not be raised earlier than first light or lowered later than dusk. The exception is when the flag is illuminated — if the flagpole has appropriate lighting, the flag may be flown through the night. A flag should not be flown at half-mast at night, whether or not illuminated, unless a specific direction for an extended half-mast period has been issued.
Order of precedence when flying multiple flags
When flown in Australia or Australian territory, the Australian National Flag takes precedence over all other national flags and should be flown in the position of honour. It should not be flown in a position inferior to any other flag or ensign, and it should not be smaller than any other flag in the display. When it is flown alongside one other national flag, the Australian National Flag should be on the left of a person facing the flags. Two flags should not be flown from the same flagpole. When flown with flags of other nations, all flags should be the same size and on flagpoles of equal height.
How can schools, councils and businesses mark Australian National Flag Day?
Schools, councils and businesses can mark Australian National Flag Day by holding a flag-raising ceremony, setting up a foyer or public-area display, or simply ensuring the flag is flown correctly and visibly on the day. PM&C suggests conducting a flag-raising ceremony and notes that businesses and organisations without an outdoor flagpole may wish to display the Australian National Flag in the public areas of their buildings, such as foyers.
Flag-raising ceremonies
A flag-raising ceremony is a simple and respectful way to mark the occasion. Those present should stop and face the flag when it is raised, remain silent and, where relevant, follow protocol for people in uniform. Schools holding assemblies on Flag Day can incorporate the raising into the opening of the ceremony. The flag should be flown all day where possible.
Foyer displays and public building displays
Not every organisation has an outdoor flagpole — especially offices, inner-city businesses and retail spaces. For these situations, an indoor foyer display is an appropriate alternative. A desk flag, an indoor flagpole set, or a pull-up banner can all work well for indoor use where outdoor display isn’t possible. Flagworld supplies Australian National Flag foyer display sets and pull-up banner options for exactly these situations.
What should you check before buying an Australian flag?
Before buying an Australian National Flag for Flag Day, confirm the size you need for the flagpole or display space, the material suited to the conditions, and the finish that works with the mounting hardware you already have.
Size, material and finish options
The standard flag size for flying on a 6-metre flagpole is 1800mm × 900mm, but other sizes suit shorter poles and indoor display stands. Flagworld’s size guide maps flag sizes to pole heights to help you choose the right one. On materials, knitted polyester is lightweight and suited to calm-to-moderate conditions, woven polyester is heavier with higher UV resistance for tougher outdoor conditions, and fully sewn is the most premium option. On finishes, a header-and-loops finish is designed for a flagpole rope with clips, and a vertical sleeve fits over a timber display pole. If your mount doesn’t match a standard option, Flagworld can advise.
Flagpoles, bases and indoor display needs
If you don’t have a flagpole, Flagworld’s flagpoles and accessories range includes DIY home flagpoles in 6m ground-mounted and 4m wall-mounted options, indoor display poles for foyer and ceremonial use, and outdoor industrial poles for commercial, council and institutional settings. Flagworld has been supplying flags and display solutions to businesses, government, councils, schools and individuals for over 60 years, with flags printed, sewn and finished in its Australian factory in Melbourne.
Quick checklist: displaying the Australian National Flag correctly on 3 September
| Display situation | Correct protocol | What to check | Flagworld link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor flagpole, all day | Raise at first light, lower at dusk; fly freely, rope secured; flag at top of pole | Size matches pole height; flag is clean and undamaged; flag has correct finish for pole | Australian Flags |
| Night display | Flag may fly if illuminated; do not fly at half-mast at night unless direction has been issued | Lighting in place; flag is a clean, undamaged specimen | Australian Flags |
| Flying with other flags | ANF takes precedence; first up and last down; not smaller or inferior to any other flag | All flagpoles same height; flags same size; ANF on left when flying with one other national flag | Flagpoles & accessories |
| No outdoor flagpole (foyer, office, shop) | Display the flag in a public area such as the foyer | Indoor pole or display set; pull-up banner; desk flag | Pull-up banners |
| Flag-raising ceremony | All present face the flag and are silent while it is raised and lowered; people in uniform salute | Flag is in good condition; someone briefed on ceremony order | Australian Flags |
FAQs
What is Australian National Flag Day?
Australian National Flag Day is an annual observance on 3 September that marks the anniversary of the first flying of the Australian National Flag on 3 September 1901 at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne. PM&C proclaimed it as a national day in 1996.
Why is Australian National Flag Day on 3 September?
The date commemorates the day in 1901 when the flag that became the Australian National Flag was first officially flown, at the site of Australia’s first federal Parliament in Melbourne.
How do you display the Australian flag correctly?
PM&C says the flag should be used with respect and dignity: raised briskly, lowered ceremoniously, flown freely and as close as possible to the top of the flagpole with the rope secured, not allowed to touch the ground, not flown upside down, and retired if it becomes damaged or dilapidated.
Can the Australian flag be flown at night?
Yes, but only if the flag is illuminated. PM&C protocol says the flag should not be raised later than dusk unless adequate lighting is in place for a night display.
What order should Australian flags be displayed in?
When flown in Australia, the Australian National Flag takes precedence over all other flags and should be in the position of honour. After the Australian National Flag, the order is: national flags of other nations, state and territory flags, other Australian flags prescribed by the Flags Act 1953, then ensigns and pennants.
Where can I buy an Australian National Flag?
Flagworld stocks Australian National Flags in a range of sizes and finish options, including knitted polyester, woven polyester and fully sewn options, with header-and-loops and vertical sleeve finishes. Shop Australian National Flags online or contact Flagworld for advice on the right size and finish for your flagpole or display situation.
Ready for 3 September?
Australian National Flag Day is a simple but meaningful occasion — and getting the display right is mostly a matter of following the PM&C protocols that have been in place since 1996. Fly the flag with pride, raise it at first light, keep it clean and well clear of the ground, and lower it with dignity at dusk. If you need a new flag, a flagpole or an indoor display solution before 3 September, order early to allow time for delivery.
Shop Australian National Flags, browse flagpoles and accessories, or explore foyer display options at Flagworld. For advice on the right flag for your situation, get in touch with the team.
