Australia — both ancient continent and recent nation — is represented by many symbols.

National symbols are often used to represent a distinctive national identity. Some symbols endure, others fade away and new symbols develop as attitudes and values change. Often a source of unity and pride, symbols can also divide and exclude.

The Australian flag is legislated as an official symbol. Others, like the kangaroo and wattle, have changed from popular to official symbols over time. The boomerang was a symbol of the continent long before the nation came into being.

In the 20th century, the Sydney Harbour Bridge came to symbolise Australia's spectacular attractions, while the Holden car became an emblem of the everyday.

Drawn from the collection of the National Museum of Australia, the Symbols exhibition explores some of the symbols Australians have chosen to represent themselves and their nation.

Image: 'Christmas greetings from the Australian War Contingent Association, London 1916,' postcard. Courtesy: State Library of Victoria.

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Symbols is a travelling exhibition developed and presented by the National Museum of Australia. The exhibition can be seen at the following venues:

New South Wales
10 June to 8 August 2010
Albury Library Museum

20 May to 31 July 2011
Museum of the Riverina, Wagga Wagga

1 November 2011 to 14 March 2012
Western Plains Cultural Centre, Dubbo

Queensland
6 September to 14 November 2010
Museum of Tropical Queensland, Townsville

4 December 2010 to 26 February 2011
Queensland Museum, Brisbane

19 August to 9 October 2011
Rockhampton Art Gallery

South Australia
30 March to 27 May 2012
Port Pirie Regional Art Gallery

Victoria
June to August 2012
Gold Museum, Sovereign Hill, Ballarat

> Explore more about the exhibition online

This exhibition is supported by the National Collecting Institutions Touring and Outreach Program, an Australian Government program aiming to improve access to the national collections for all Australians.