Can You Identify These Australian Statues and Monuments?

By: Deborah Beckwin
Estimated Completion Time
5 min
Can You Identify These Australian Statues and Monuments?
Image: seng chye teo/Moment/Getty Images

About This Quiz

When people think of Australia, some of these typical images come to mind: koalas climbing eucalyptus trees; kangaroos hopping along with their joeys snuggled in their pouches; surfers catching big waves at Bondi Beach. 

All of those natural charms -- the beautiful beaches, the majestic mountains, the lush rainforests, the vast deserts and the unique flora and fauna that can't be found anywhere else -- are prized national treasures. But the land of Oz has many more sights--mostly of the manmade kind, but there are some notable natural landmarks, too.

Probably one of the most easily recognizable Australian landmarks is the massive architectural marvel, the Sydney Opera House, which sits on Bennelong Point in Sydney Harbour. This former island has historical significance to Aboriginal people as a place to gather, feast and perform ceremonies.

Another monument with sacred significance to Aboriginal people is Uluru, located in Australia's Outback in the Northern Territories. This rock formation stands at over 1,100 feet high and boasts gorgeous sights as the rising or setting sun gives the sandstone more intense red and orange hues.

We hope that you enjoy quizzing your knowledge of Australia's statues and monuments and learn a few things along the way!

Quarantine Station Located in Sydney, what place was used for migrants and convicts to stay before they could fully enter the country?
Sydney Opera House
Fraser Island
Quarantine Station
Located on Sydney's North Head, Quarantine Station was created in 1832 as a way to protect locals from new migrants from disease. Newcomers who came by ship had to reside at this facility for a few weeks.
Port Arthur

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Hyde Park Obelisk This Sydney monument was actually created to vent sewage fumes.
Hyde Park Obelisk
The Hyde Park Obelisk stands at over 72 feet tall and was unveiled in 1857 by George Thornton, Lord Mayor of Sydney. Because of this obelisk's primary function, Sydney residents gave it the nickname "Thornton's Scent Bottle," If you go visit today, you'll find that it no longer vents such odiferous scents.
Mrs Macquarie's Chair
Admella
Australian War Memorial

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The Sydney Opera House This UNESCO World Heritage site was designed by a Danish architect and has 1,000 rooms and seven floors.
Australian War Memorial
Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House is arguably the most famous landmark in Australia. Danish architect Jørn Utzon designed this gigantic structure and it took 14 years for it to be constructed. Although it has opera house in its name, this performance building has over 40 performance of all kinds, such as theater, comedy, music, and dance.
ANZAC War Memorial
Shrine of Remembrance

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Mrs. Macquarie's Chair What monument was commissioned for a governor's wife?
Uluru
Royal Exhibition Building
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Mrs. Macquarie's Chair
Governor of New South Wales, Major-General Lachlan Macquarie, commissioned a chair for his wife, Elizabeth, who frequented this scenic point in Sydney Harbour. Convicts carved out this seat from sandstone in 1810.

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National Carillon Located on Aspen Island, this structure stands at 164 feet tall and plays music via its 55 bronze bells.
Sydney Tower
National Carillon
The National Carillon is located in Australia's capital, Canberra, by Lake Burley Griffin. There are carillon concerts performed every Wednesday and Saturday, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:20 p.m.
Sydney Opera House
Shrine of Remembrance

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High Court of Australia This national building also holds the Australian Constitution Centre.
National Library
Australian National University
Royal Australian Mint
High Court of Australia
Located in the nation's capital, Canberra, the High Court of Australia is the supreme court of the country. The High Court has an impressive modern design where visitors can view court proceedings. Visitors can also learn about Australia's constitution in the Australia Constitution Centre, which opened in April 2018.

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The Parliament House,    Canberra Which national building was built in 1927 and then rebuilt in 1988?
Parliament House
The Parliament House, where the House of Representatives and the Senate reside, had a temporary structure (now called Old Parliament House, Canberra) only meant to be used for 50 years. Compared to the older neoclassical design, the newer building has a more modern, open design meant to be symbolic of its open access to the public. The Parliament House also holds a large collection of artwork of national significance as well as portraits of national leaders.
Shrine of Remembrance
Royal Exhibition Building
Australian War Memorial

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The National Library of Australia This national building has some spectacular colored glass windows which help cut down on the amount of light streaming into the building.
Sydney Opera House
National Library of Australia
The National Library of Australia is home to almost 7 million items of library materials. You can view the colored glass windows in the Bookplate Cafe. The National Library also has up to three exhibitions which typically have a national focus.
High Court of Australia
Australian War Memorial

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Shrine of Remembrance Located in Melbourne, this monument memorializes those servicemembers who died in World War I.
Hyde Park Obelisk
ANZAC War Memorial
Shrine of Remembrance
Because many of the 19,000 Victorian soldiers who died in were buried far from home, the Shrine of Remembrance gave the community a place to gather and grieve for those they lost. The building's Stone of Remembrance is inscribed with part of a Bible verse "Greater love hath no man." The building was designed so that on Remembrance Day, November 11th at 11 a.m., when WWI ended, sunlight would shine on the word "love".
Australian War Memorial

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ANZAC War Memorial Which war memorial, located in Hyde Park, Sydney, honors Australians who died in WWI?
ANZAC War Memorial
The acronym ANZAC stands for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, a group of allied troops that first fought in the long Gallipoli campaign of World War I. The ANZAC Memorial commemorates more than the Anzacs, but also all Australian service members (known as the Australian Imperial Force) who died in WWI.
Australian War Memorial
Shrine of Remembrance
ACT Memorial

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Australian War Memorial Which war memorial also serves as a museum and a historical archive?
National War Memorial
Australian War Memorial
The Australian War Memorial commemorates all Australians who have died in war. It's located in the Australian Capital Territory, in a suburb of the nation's capital. The large building has three different halls, a sculpture garden, dioramas, a tomb of the unknown Australian soldier, a Roll of Honour, and a Commemorative Area.
Hobart War Memorial
Shrine of Remembrance, Brisbane

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Kata Tjuṯa What rock formation in the Northern Territories is also known as The Olgas?
Australian Alps
Black Mountain
Uluru
Kata Tjuṯa
Kata Tjuṯa puts on a similar light show as Uluru does, showing off stunning colors at sunrise and sunset. Kata Tjuṯa means "many heads" (which you can see with the dome-like stone formations), and is of spiritual importance of the Anangu, the local indigenous Australians who have lived in the area for over 20,000 years.

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Great Barrier Reef What famous natural wonder is the largest of its kind, stretching out over 1,200 miles?
Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is a snorkeler's and scuba diver's paradise. You can see a myriad of sea flora and fauna--and, of course, a lot of ancient coral.
Twelve Apostles
Cable Beach
Bondi Beach

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Kings Canyon This gorge has a steep walk called Heartbreak Hill that takes you up to the top.
Carnarvon Gorge
Windjana Gorge
Kings Canyon
Located in the Northern Territories' Watarrka National Park, Kings Canyon is home to over 600 unique flora and fauna. You can find some of then in the lush oasis-like area nicknamed the Garden of Eden. You can also find unusual rock formations called the Lost City.
Hancock Gorge

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Living Desert State Park This state park has 12 notable sandstone sculptures.
Living Desert State Park
The Living Desert Reserve's sculpture symposium has 12 sandstone sculpture hewn by 12 different sculptors. This state park also has a sanctuary with unique wildlife.
Black Mountain
Australian Alps
Uluru

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Twelve Apostles Along Victoria's shoreline, these large limestone formations jut out of the Southern Ocean.
Twelve Apostles
Along Victoria's coast stand these limestone formations that used to be a part of the coast until sand, wind and water wore them down and away. Before being called the 12 Apostles, this group of rocks was called The Sow and Piglets, with the Sow being a rock formation on another colorfully named place: Mutton Bird Island.
The Pinnacles
Devil's Marbles
Hanging Rock

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Wave Rock This unusual rock formation in Western Australia stands at almost 50 feet high.
12 Apostles
Black Mountain
The Pinnacles
Wave Rock
Made of granite, this cliff which looks like a wave. It was created by running spring water and time--it's over 2.7 billion years old, making it one of the oldest formations in Australia.

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Hanging Rock Also known as Mount Diogenes, this rock formation was created by volcanic activity.
The Pinnacles
Devil's Marbles
Black Mountain
Hanging Rock
Located in Victoria, Hanging Rock is an example of a mamelon, where thick lava vents but is too thick to flow away. Subsequent eruptions additional layers. The area is known to have a mysterious vibe, with a mist that is often in the area.

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Devils Marbles Known as Karlu Karlu to the Warmungu people, these round, granite rock formations are found in the Northern Territory.
Devils Marbles
Devils Marbles are a unique rock formation which continue change over time. Created 6 million years ago, according Warmungu mythology, these boulders are believed to be fossilized eggs laid by the Rainbow Serpent. These rocks also put on a show during sunrise and sunset, with the sunlight changing the rocks' colors into intense reds.
The Pinnacles
Wave Rock
Australian Alps

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Kings Park State War Memorial What memorial located in Perth, Western Australia, has a park dedicated to fallen soldiers?
Desert Mounted Corps Memorial
Kings Park State War Memorial
Kings Park State War Memorial is a part of the the larger Kings Park and Botanic Gardens. In the memorial park, you'll find a large centograph with the names of Western Australian soldiers who died in wars such was World War II. There's also a Flame of Remembrance which remains lit in the Pool of Reflection, both within the Court of Contemplation.
Captain Cook's Monument
Hyde Park Obelisk

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The Big Pineapple In Queensland, this famous tourist attraction is starting to see a rebirth.
Bondi Beach
The Big Pineapple
The Big Pineapple has been around since 1971 and has had famous guests such as Prince Charles and Princess Diana. The attraction boasts a wildlife refuge, a pineapple plantation, a music festival, a train, a cafe...and the big pineapple that you can climb.
Great Ocean Road
Kangaroo Island

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The Giant Koala What animal native to Australia is memorialized in a large statue in Victoria?
Larry La Trobe
Larry the Big Red Lobster
The Big Mosquito
The Giant Koala
To help raise awareness of the dwindling populations, The Giant Koala has been renamed Sam the Koala. Sam was rescued during bushfires in Victoria in 2009 and became a symbol of awareness for koalas and their shrinking habitats.

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Raising the Rattler Pole This installation in Melbourne may look like an accident.
Broken Hill Sculpture Symposium
Larry La Trobe
Mr. Lizard and Gumnut Baby
Raising the Rattler Pole
Melbourne is known for its trolley system, and artist David Bell paid tribute in this unusual installation. It's a replica of a tram that was last serviced in 1956. At night, you can see the windows glowing from the inside.

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Lachlan Macquarie Hyde Park, Sydney A statue of this former governor of New South Wales can be found in Hyde Park, Sydney.
Lachlan Macquarie
Lachlan Macquarie, a British general, was the last governor of New South Wales before the New South Wales Legislative Council was created in 1824. Macquarie has many parks and memorials, including Macquarie Island, named after him across the country of Australia.
Captain James Cook
Malcolm Turnbull
Steve Irwin

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Captain James Cook Kamay Botany Bay This memorial at Kamay Botany Bay marks where this British explorer claimed the eastern coast of Australia for the British Empire.
Sir Walter Raleigh
David Livingstone
Captain James Cook
Captain James Cook found Australia in 1770 and at Kamay Botany Bay, there is a memorial of where Cook and his expedition landed. You can also find a stream where he and his men found water. Cook has memorials all over the eastern coast of Australia, including a statue in Hyde Park, Sydney.
Sir Francis Drake

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Desert Mounted Corps Memorial This memorial in Albany commemorates Australian and New Zealand soldiers who died in WWI and is a replica of a memorial which was destroyed in Egypt.
Australian War Memorial
ANZAC War Memorial
Desert Mounted Corps Memorial
The Desert Mounted Corps was a part of the British Army. Australians, New Zealanders, and the French were a part of this corps and were active during WW. The corps was disbanded soon after the end of WWI in 1919.
Darwin Cenotaph War Memorial

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Darwin Cenotaph War Memorial In Western Australia, this war memorial was created to commemorate those soldiers who had fallen in WWI, and now lists those who have died in other conflicts.
Australian War Memorial
Darwin Cenotaph War Memorial
Now overlooking Darwin Harbour, the Darwin Cenotaph War Memorial has been in two different places. At first, it was built in front of the Government House. Then it was moved to the Civic Centre, but has found its most recent home in Bicentennial Park.
ANZAC War Memorial
Shrine of Remembrance

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The Bombing of Darwin Memorial What memorial at The Esplanade is in memory of the largest foreign attack against Australia?
Australian War Memorial
The Bombing of Darwin Memorial
In 1942, during WWII, Darwin, Australia suffered heavy losses due to air raids from Japanese forces. Close to 300 people died from that attack.
Darwin Cenotaph War Memorial
ANZAC War Memorial

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Sydney Harbour Bridge This famous bridge is one you can drive, bike, walk, or even climb on.
Anzac Bridge
Sydney Harbour Bridge
The Sydney Harbour Bridge can be climbed to the top where you can see panoramic views of the city of Sydney. The massive bridge has been open to traffic since 1932 and took eight years to build.
Story Bridge
Gladesville Bridge

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Eight Hour Day Monument What monument in Melbourne celebrates a balanced day of work, recreation, and rest?
Eight Hour Day Monument
The Eight Hours Movement kicked off in Melbourne in the mid-1800s. There were parades and marches in support of having eight hours of work, recreation and rest, which you can see in the three golden 8s at the top of the statue.
Cow Up in a Tree
Great Petition Sculpture
Gordon Reserve

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Great Petition This memorial celebrates non-indigenous women's suffrage in Victoria.
Raising the Rattler Pole
'Mr. Lizard and Gumnut Baby
Adam Lindsay Gordon statue
Great Petition
In Victoria, non-indigenous women gained the right to vote in 1908, but it took close to two decades of effort from non-indigenous Victorian women to finally get the vote. The sculpture commemorates the actual petition which was collected in 1891 (also known as the Monster Petition) that had 30,000 signatures, made of calico strips and glued together. The length was over 850 feet!

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Adam Lindsay Gordon Melbourne This statue in Melbourne memorializes which 18th century Australian poet?
Adam Lindsay Gordon
Adam Lindsay Gordon was not only a poet. He was a police officer, jockey, sheepherder, and politician. Gordon is the only Australian to have their bust in Poets' Corner in Westminster Abbey in England.
Captain James Cook
Steve Irwin
John Landy

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The Pinnacles These limestone formations jut out of the sand in Western Australia.
Devils Marbles
Uluru
The Pinnacles
The Pinnacles are out in the desert in Nambung National Park. These limestone formations took millions of years to form. Like many rock formations in Australia, seeing them during sunrise and sunset can give the Pinnacles more intense hues of yellow and orange.
Twelve Apostles

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Canadian Exiles Memorial This memorial remembers convicts sent from North America to Tasmania in the mid-1800s.
International Wall of Friendship
Canadian Exiles Memorial
Ninety-two men, mostly Americans, involved in the Canadian rebellions in the mid-1800s were sent Van Diemen's Land (now known as Tasmania). Many of the exiled were pardoned and then returned back to North America. But some remained in Tasmania, where their descendants still live today.
Tasman Monument
Heading South

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Kurilpa Bridge This Brisbane bridge is said to be the first city bridge to use tensegrity (i.e, discontinuous compression).
Story Bridge
Sea Cliff Bridge
Anzac Bridge
Kurilpa Bridge
In indigenous Australian language, Kurilpa means "place of water rats," describing the area of South Brisbane. The bridge is for cyclists and pedestrians, and its LED lighting is mostly powered by solar energy.

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Sydney Tower Eye This slim tower can surprisingly withstand extreme winds and earthquakes, making it one of the safest in the world.
Chifley Tower
Infinity Tower
Q1
Sydney Tower Eye
The Sydney Tower Eye stands at 1,001 feet tall. And up at the top, you can go to the observation deck with a skywalk, a 4D movie theater and a gift shop.

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Il Porcellino At this fountain in Sydney, you can get lucky and give to a good cause.
Il Porcellino
In front of the Sydney Hospital, you will find Il Porcellino (Italian for "the little pig"), a replica of a fountain found in Florence, Italy. The fountain was given in memoriam of Dr. Thomas Fiaschi and Dr. Piero Fiaschi, the father and brother of the Marchesa Clarissa Torrigiani, as well as honorary surgeons of Sydney Hospital. Donations from the fountain go to help Sydney Hospital.
Archibald Fountain
Frazer Memorial Fountain
Tank Stream Fountain

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