Newly crowned Miss Hawaiian Tropic Australia 2010 Elli Vukasovic, Darwin, NT Photo: Bruce McFarlane More photos here>>>

SURFERS PARADISE. Darwin based Arts Communications Officer and Dance & Drama Teacher Elli Vukasovic, 27, claimed the coveted 2010 Miss Hawaiian Tropic Australia title at the National Final held at a packed Shooters Lounge Bar & Nightclub in Surfers Paradise on Friday night - March 19, 2010.

The judging panel was led by last year’s title-winner Amanda Hinchcliffe, who subsequently went on to make history by becoming the first ever Australian finalist to beat the world’s elite swimwear models for the World Title, and they certainly had their work cut out for them.

However, after watching the finalists first strutting their stuff in the Theme Wear and then in the all important Swimwear section, the judges’ had reached a decision; Elli had displayed all the qualities they were looking for. She embodied head-turning beauty with elegance, poise, confidence and personality.

Stunning Miss Hawaiian Tropic Australia title holder Amanda Hinchcliffe has made history by becoming the first ever Australian model to win the prestigious world title of Miss Hawaiian Tropic International! Amanda competed against more than 70 of the world's top bikini models at the world finals held at the Pearl River Resort in Mississippi and impressed the international judging panel in all competition categories including national Costume, Evening Wear and Swimwear. Amanda walks away with more than $11,000 in cash for her efforts as well as an invaulable experience and global industry contacts!

Although several Australian finalists have placed in the top ten and even the top five over the years with the highest being 1st runner-up positions by Alesha Kelly (2006) and Lisa Gleave (2005), never before in the pageant's 27 year history has an Australian model taken out the top prize and the highly coveted title. Check out the gallery here>>>

Miss Hawaiian Tropic Australia 2009 - Amanda Hinchcliffe Pic: Richard Hoven	Miss Hawaiian Tropic New Zealand 2009 - Gale Chan

 2009 Miss Hawaiian Tropic Australia Winner Amanda Hinchcliffe and Miss Hawaiian Tropic New Zealand Gale Chan are only days away from boarding their flights to what will certainly be an adventure of a lifetime. They are heading to the 27th Miss Hawaiian Tropic International World Finals at the beautiful Pearl River Resort, Choctaw, Mississippi! They will be competing for the ultimate swimsuit model title and a massive prize package with more than 70 of the worlds top bikini models, They will also spend time taking part in professional photo shoots, partying with celebs such as Transformers producer Michael Bay and sports stars as well as attending media events with the world press.

Both of these stunning models are hoping to emulate the enormous success of a another head turning brunette who also won the Miss HT Australia title - Raychel Frew, who of course has gone on to an amazing career including numerous magazine covers and features as well as TV commercials!

We wish the girls best of luck over in the US and hope that they will have a fantastic time and make heaps of great contacts and friends while over there! Go girls!!!