They've dressed like lifesavers and worn outback outfits or Crocodile Dundee-style hats.
But Australia's latest Miss Universe contestant, Laura Dundovic, will this year wear a more glamorous version of what passes for national costume.
True, she'll be wearing a wooden boomerang around her neck at next month's pageant in Vietnam.
But Dundovic's outfit, unveiled today, is a flowing gown said to be inspired by Australia's sun, surf and desert.
With her family and boyfriend watching on, Dundovic, 21, paraded the flowing white, aqua and brown dress at a Sydney hotel and later described it as "very comfy" and "very flattering".
"Most of them are very corsetty, I've got a lot of freedom in this one," she said.
Designed by Jayson Brunsdon, the gown is a much safer option than offerings from the last couple of years.
Last year's Australia contestant, Kim Busteed, wore a controversial lifesaver costume, 2006 entrant Erin McNaught wore a khaki outback-themed outfit, and 2005's Michelle Guy failed to impress with frock complete with a Crocodile Dundee-style hat.
Brunsdon said he wanted to do something different and highlight Australian nature.
"Rather than drawing inspiration from Australian characters, such as surfers and shearers, I want to express the natural elements of the country - the colour and shape to create a beautiful sweeping gown that will comment on the sea, sand and desert," he said.
Dundovic also modelled lingerie, shapewear, swimwear and sportswear and turned heads in a long red-beaded evening gown by Connie Simonetti.
"Everything is beautiful," Dundovic said.
Dundovic, a psychology student from Dural in Sydney, said she would love to follow in the footsteps of Australia's most successful contestant, 2004 Miss Universe winner Jennifer Hawkins.
As well as modelling, Hawkins now has a TV career with the Seven Network, appearing on its Great Outdoors travel program, and is soon to front the reality TV show, Make Me A Supermodel.
"When I was growing up I did a lot of public speaking and debating and I'm not afraid of being in front of a crowd," Dundovic said.
"So I would always love to do a career in that (media).
"But it's always something very hard to pursue ... with media, it's something you have to make a good impression and hopefully this will do it for me."
Dundovic said she hadn't spoken with Hawkins yet, but was getting a lot of tips from Guy and Busteed on everything from clothes to how to get her luggage to Vietnam.
The competition will be held next month at Nha Trang in Vietnam, with the international final to take place on July 14.
Dundovic said she was excited, but would miss her boyfriend Brock McDermott, who she met bowling while at high school.
They have been dating for three years.
"He's a really lovely boy. I'm just not going to see him for a month and a half now," she said.
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