New South Wales, 1876

The flag of New South Wales is a British Blue Ensign defaced with the state badge, the cross of St. George in red on a white disc. At the extremity of each arm of the cross is an eight pointed gold star, and in the centre of the cross is a golden lion passant guardant, representing the royal authority of the Governor. The badge is thought to be based on an unofficial local flag used from 1832, combining the English red St. George's Cross on a white background with stars, representing the Southern Cross. The flag was adopted on 18 February 1876 because the previous design was too similar to the design of the Victorian flag.