Beauty, rich and rare 

The term 'Great Southern Land' refers to the majestic continent situated in the Southern Hemisphere, known today as Australia. From the lush tropical rainforests to the arid, sun-soaked deserts, Australia is home to an array of vibrant and distinct wildlife. 

Steeped in a rich history that traces back to First Nations people for more than 60,000 years, today Australia is a thriving ecosystem supporting an astounding variety of around 850 unique bird species. Nearly 45 percent of these exquisite creatures are endemic to Australia, marking the continent as a one-of-a-kind avian paradise. Australia is also home to hundreds of thousands of insects, a significant number of which remain unknown to science and are awaiting formal identification. 

Blue lepidolite insert

Celebrating Australia’s iconic flying species, the coin portrays representations (clockwise from top) of an Australian wedge-tailed eagle, a kookaburra, a splendid fairy wren, a blue-banded bee, a birdwing butterfly, a sugar glider, a sulphur-crested cockatoo, and a willie wagtail. The background is composed of native flora motifs, along with The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark and the coin’s weight, purity, and 2025 year-date.