Advance Australia Fair

Australia's National Anthem

Advance Australia Fair has been Australia's official national anthem since 1984.

Peter Dodds McCormick, a Scot, wrote and composed "Advance Australia Fair". The song was first performed in Sydney on Saint Andrew's Day, 1878.

Twelve apostle, famous rock formation along the Great Ocean Road in VictoriaOur home is girt by sea...

Since the proclamation of the Australian colonies in 1788 "God save the Queen" had been Australia's national anthem. However, after the declaration of the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901, many Australians felt they should have their own Australian national anthem. After all, the new country longed for its own "Australia culture".

The process of finding the right anthem took more than 80 years. Especially during the wars, the feeling that the country should have an own anthem representing Australia, and its people, prevailed. However, it took until the 1970s that several polls and competitions were held. After a long process a conclusion was found.

A few words and phrases from the original song Advance Australia Fair were changed to meet with political correctness, and make it the anthem of all Australians.On 19th April 1984, Advance Australia Fair was announced to be the official national anthem of Australia. 

God save the Queen still will be played when members of the royal family attend events in Australia.

Advance Australia Fair - Lyrics

Australians all let us rejoice, For we are young and free;
We've golden soil and wealth for toil, Our home is girt by sea;
Our land abounds in Nature's gifts, Of beauty rich and rare;
In history's page, let every stage Advance Australia fair!
In joyful strains then let us sing, "Advance Australia fair!"

Beneath our radiant southern Cross, We'll toil with hearts and hands;
To make this Commonwealth of ours, Renowned of all the lands;
For those who've come across the seas, We've boundless plains to share;
With courage let us all combine, To advance Australia fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing, "Advance Australia fair!"

Listen to the Australian national anthem - click below.

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