In our definitive guide to Australian tattoo ideas and designs, we shine a light on all the classics, including the Australian flag, map of Australia, and of course the Southern Cross tattoo, plus plenty of fresh, contemporary Australian tattoo ideas handpicked by our artists.
Our guide will get you inspired and help you show your love to the land down under through the perfect design. Keep in mind that you can always add your personal touch and make your Australian tattoo your own.
Popular Australian Tattoo Ideas & Designs
Australian Animal Tattoos
Australia has so many unique animals. Some are cute and cuddly, and others can kill you in seconds, but the one thing they all have in common - they all make for amazing tattoos! Get an Aussie fauna-inspired design for a great icebreaker when travelling abroad!
You could be traditional and get a koala, kangaroo, emu, or echidna for your next tattoo. If you’re looking for something unique, think outside the box with a lesser-known animal, such as a spotted quoll, box jellyfish, or thorny devil. We’re pre-warning you though - once you get one native Aussie animal tattoo, you’ll want more!
Australian Native Flower Tattoos
Australia doesn’t just have a unique array of animals. Australia is packed full of stunning native flora. So why not embrace nature and get an Aussie-inspired floral design inked onto your skin?
You'll be spoiled for choice among Australia's beautiful plant species! Pink rock lilies, kangaroo paws, bottlebrushes, banksias, and wattles are just a few examples of Australian flora that make stunning tattoo designs.
When getting a native flower tattoo, we recommend a colourful design to showcase all the wild details of those beautiful plants. The bright colours make an impression, and your new design will definitely turn heads.
Australian Flag Tattoos
An Australian flag tattoo design is the perfect way to show your love for the country. This design will look good on any part of the body. It could be a simple black and grey or you could choose to use the vibrant colours of the flag for a more aesthetic look.
Map of Australia Tattoos
Why not get an imprint of the Australian map itself inked onto your body? If you have a favourite spot within Australia—such as your home, wedding venue, or birthplace of your child – you could add the coordinates within the map to make your Aussie tattoo more personal.
Map tattoos can be a great option if you are looking for a minimalistic design, as you can get the outline of the map inked and nothing else. They also allow you to fill them in later if you decide to take them to the next level. These designs look great as small tattoos and are perfect for spots on the body like wrists and ankles.
Australian Icon Tattoos
There are some great Aussie icons worth remembering with a tattoo. May Gibbs’ Snugglepot and Cuddlepie and Dorothy Wall’s Blinky Bill are two cute classics that spring to mind. Or go big and immortalise a great Aussie personality like Steve Irwin or Richie Benaud with a portrait tattoo.
Maybe Australian icons are more your style. Buildings like the Sydney Harbour Bridge or Opera House make for show-stopping tattoos. You could have some fun with it and get a jar of Vegemite, or even the humble Aussie barbeque might be a way you could show off your love for Australia.
Of course, we couldn’t do an article about Australian tattoos without mentioning the iconic Southern Cross tattoo. This one is still a highly requested tattoo in Australian tattoo studios. If you don’t want to go all out and get the Aussie flag, why not just get part of it with the Southern Cross?
Whatever your style might be, there is an Aussie tattoo out there to suit you. Flora or fauna, Aussie icons and landmarks - there’s never been a more patriotic way to show your love for Australia than by inking a fair-dinkum Aussie symbol on your skin.
