This page contains the words of the National Anthem, Advance Australia Fair, including three video versions.
Advance Australia Fair was written by the Scottish-born composer, Peter Dodds McCormick. It was first performed in Australia in 1878.
The song became the national anthem in 1974, an initiative of the Whitlam Labor government, following a national opinion survey. The Fraser Liberal-Nationals government reinstated God Save the Queen in 1976. A May 1977 plebiscite supported Advance Australia Fair and it has been the official anthem since 1984.
Advance Australia FairAustralians 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 hist’ry’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.’
A selection of videos presenting the national anthem:
As posted by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade – 2 verses, lyrics
As posted by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade – 2 verses, no lyrics
For some, the greatest and only version of Advance Australia Fair – Julie Anthony