5 Uniquely Australian Christmas Carols You Need to Know

While Australians happily sing along to classic British and American Christmas carols, we also have our own homegrown festive songs that capture something uniquely Australian about the Christmas experience. Here are five Australian Christmas carols that every Aussie should know.

1. Six White Boomers — Rolf Harris (1960)

The undisputed king of Australian Christmas carols, Six White Boomers tells the story of Santa swapping his reindeer for six white kangaroos to navigate the Australian outback. Written by Rolf Harris and first recorded by Shirley Abicair, it remains a staple of school concerts and carol events across the country. No other carol captures the playful absurdity of an Aussie Christmas quite like this one.

2. Carol of the Birds — W.G. James (1948)

A beautifully pastoral Australian original, Carol of the Birds features distinctly native birds — brolgas, woodlarks, and kookaburras — in place of the European robins and doves of traditional carols. Written by composer William G. James with lyrics by John Wheeler, it’s a genuinely moving piece that deserves to be better known than it is.

3. The North Wind is Tossing the Leaves — Roderic Quinn (1905)

One of Australia’s earliest original Christmas carols, this beautiful poem by Roderic Quinn captures the experience of a hot Australian summer Christmas. The reference to the north wind (which in Australia brings dry, scorching heat rather than cold) immediately locates the carol in our unique landscape.

4. Christmas Day — John Wheeler

Another gem from the prolific John Wheeler, this carol describes Christmas being celebrated in the Australian bush. With references to gum trees, the hot summer sun, and uniquely Australian imagery, it’s a lovely celebration of our own version of Christmas.

5. The Silver Stars Are in the Sky — Traditional Australian

A gentle, contemplative carol that draws on the imagery of the Australian night sky, The Silver Stars Are in the Sky has a quiet beauty that suits the intimate atmosphere of smaller carol services and community singing events.

To learn more about these and other popular Christmas carols, visit our Popular Christmas Carols page.