Flag decoder

MAKE YOR OWN FLAG DECODER

You can decode the flags on the flagstaff on top of Observatory Hill (pictured below left) by looking at the the legend on the bottom decoder wheel (decoder pictured at right; and see pdfs below). And you can make your own flag decoder by printing out both of the pdfs below, cutting out both circles and the window in the top circle, and attaching them to each other by a paper fastener through the centre. Use the heaviest paper your printer can handle, or glue the paper to card before cutting out.

pdf Flag decoder - bottom part (pdf document)

pdf Flag decoder - top part (pdf document)

The flags currently flown are:

- Australian
- NSW state
- Aboriginal
- Torres Strait Islander

- constellations
- planets
- phases of the Moon

- temperature

- and shipping information

 

Flag decoder

Sydney Observatory flagstaff
The site of Sydney Observatory, now known as Observatory Hill, was previously known as Windmill Hill, Citadel Hill, Fort Phillip and Flagstaff Hill, describing its functions over time. All of these functions relied on its position at the highest point overlooking Sydney Harbour.

Signal flagstaffs were first erected here on Fort Phillip’s walls about 1810, followed shortly after by a semaphore mast. During the 1850s these were replaced by two tall signal masts, which remained in use until the 1930s.

Signal flags on the hill announced the arrival of ships into Sydney Harbour and informed port authorities of the names, origin and cargo of new arrivals. Weather and other information was communicated by signal flags to ships in the harbour, and to other signal stations at Bedlam Point near Gladesville and then to Mays Hill above Parramatta. More...