New Brisbane

Following our coverage of the Wild Card Heat at Kitty O’Shea’s, I was invited to attend the National Final week for the Miss Hawaiian Tropic as a member of the press. After four months searching for Australia’s hottest bikini models, the national finals were set to take place this April, on our very own Gold Coast. A much-coveted invitation, with exclusive opportunities to go and hang out with the national finalists, I was more than happy to accept.

Miss Hawaiian Tropic National Finals
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Billy’s Beach House
Surfer’s Paradise
www.missht.com

Given that there was a week of media events leading up to the national final, including a trip out to the Wet N Wild theme park for a day splashing around with the models and a night at Bedroom Nightclub on the Gold Coast for the swimwear pre-judging, imagine how disappointed I was (and close to quitting) when I found out that work commitments meant I’d be unable to attend anything except the final itself. Not to be put off, however, I organised some accomodation for myself down on the Gold Coast for the upcoming Saturday and prepared myself to have a great night.

Rocking up at Billy’s Beach House with a good friend of mine in the afternoon of April 4, we arrived just in time to witness two streakers run through the bar, jump in the pool, clamber onto stage and vault over a fence - all before anyone had a chance to bat an eyelid. Certainly not what I expected to witness when I came to a bikini modelling competition, but entertaining nonetheless. And after the organisers mopped the apparently very cold water off the stage (we can’t have the models slipping and falling in the pool, can we?), things got under way.

Supa Tony, the charismatic host of the previous wild card event, was back for the finals and this time was joined by gorgeous co-host, and Bartercard Miss Indy 2008, Kate Hockly. Their combined beauty and experience shone through and quickly pumped everyone up for what was set to be a fantastic day. The alcohol and the anticipation of bikini clad beauties also served in this regard.

As the girls took the stage for the first round of the competition, the fantasy wear, we got to see some stunningly sexy outfits. With a wide range of costumes, including a lycra clad diver, Dorothy (Wizard of Oz), a vampress and even a lumber jack, there was definitely something naughty for everyone’s tastes. My only disappointment was that the lumber jack (Chelsea Dunkley) didn’t have her chainsaw running, as if I couldn’t have a model slip and fall in the pool, I was at least hoping she would drop her chainsaw and cut the stage in half. It’s the little things that make events like this special.

The fantasy wear section was followed by the swimwear section, which is the cornerstone of the Miss Hawaiian Tropic competition. Once again, we were stunned by the beauty of the girls coming out on stage, and somehow managed to pay attention while Supa Tony and Kate had a quick chat with each of the models. Now, while both presenters did a great job here, I really have to hand it to Supa Tony - obviously an experienced veteran of competitions like this, he seemed to really connect with the girls and to get them more actively involved in the conversation than just answering the questions written on the clipboard. I found this really added to the show, as I was able to see each of the girls’ individual personalities shine through the model image they normally present, and I think it would be a great thing if more presenters at these sorts of competitions had this ability.

Anyway, despite how great Supa Tony was, the girls were better and it was with much delight that my friends and I saw some of our favourite bikini clad beauties take out top places in the competition. Oh, and on a complete side note, when you place first in a national modelling competition and you’re wearing a bikini, be careful just how excessive you get with your victory bouncing. Anyway, while all the girls did quite well, the star-studded judging panel did have to narrow down some winners, though I think the rest were all pretty happy to be ranked amongst the top 18 in Australia.

A few hours and a steak dinner later, we’re at Sin City in Surfer’s Paradise for the official after party. With a bevy of gorgeous models, great music and a fantastic atmosphere, I couldn’t think of a better place to be. I was a bit disappointed that my press invite didn’t get me into the roped off area that the models routinely disappeared into, but there was enough of them around to keep me entertained and as I sat on the beach reminiscing the next morning, I was once again quite glad that I’d been able to make it out for the event. Definitely can’t wait for next year.

Thanks again to Clint Ebbesen of Optical Note Photography for the photos.

– Ross