Australian National Anthem

Prior to the Governor General's appointment of Advance Australia Fair as the national anthem in 1984, God save the Queen was the recognised national anthem of Australia.

The version noded under Advance Australia Fair contains the verses that are in most common use. You can download a realaudio version of the Anthem from the Australian Prime Minister's website: http://www.pm.gov.au/aust_focus/nat_symbols/anthem.htm

Here is the entire version of the song:

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!"

When gallant Cook from Albion sail'd,
To trace wide oceans o'er,
True British courage bore him on,
Till he landed on our shore.
Then here he raised Old England's flag,
The standard of the brave;
With all her faults we love her still,
"Brittannia rules the wave!"
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!"

While other nations of the globe
Behold us from afar,
We'll rise to high renown and shine
Like our glorious southern star;
From England, Scotia, Erin's Isle,
Who come our lot to share,
Let all combine with heart and hand
To advance Australia fair!
In joyful strains then let us sing
"Advance Australia fair!"

Shou'd foreign foe e'er sight our coast,
Or dare a foot to land,
We'll rouse to arms like sires of yore
To guard our native strand;
Brittannia then shall surely know,
Beyond wide ocean's roll,
Her sons in fair Australia's land
Still keep a British soul.
In joyful strains then let us sing
"Advance Australia fair!"

Many Australians have a sentimental preference for the national song to be Waltzing Matilda. Unfortunately since this song is about a swagman who steals sheep and avoids capture by jumping into a billabong it's not particularly appropriate. Waltzing Matilda is, however, sung with more emotion and enthusiasm than the Anthem at most international Rugby Union games.