Miss Universe Australia crowned

Jesinta Campbell has been crowned the fairest of them all.

The 18-year-old from Sydney's Potts Point won Miss Universe Australia 2010 last night, beating 29 other finalists.

She will now go on to represent the nation in the international Miss Universe pageant in Las Vegas on August 23.

Dressed in a flowing white, sparkling gown, Jesinta beamed with surprise after the announcement of her win was made.

"I feel so privileged to be able to represent my country overseas at an international level, it's absolutely incredible," she told AAP.

The top 30 finalists appeared in bathing suits before the final 10 were chosen for the evening gown segment. Then the top five had to take part in a question-and-answer segment.

Jesinta had to answer a question on skin protection and after an initial stumble, she shone with an answer about the importance of protecting oneself from the harsh Australian sun.

"It's important to have a good skincare routine, so even when we are outdoors, we need to use sunscreen and drink lots of water," she said.

Other beauties who performed strongly on the night were Renae Wauhop, from Perth, who was the runner-up and Lia Tapper, also from Perth, who came third.

Jesinta, who has deferred her journalism studies until next semester, was accompanied by her mother, while her grandma and father were unable to make the event due to illness.

"My family have been so supportive and I don't think they saw this coming and neither did I," she said.

Jesinta has won a year's supply of shoes from Novo Shoes, a new Proton S16 car, a collection of Kooey swimwear and the crown.

Judges for the contest included designer Peter Morrissey, TV presenter Kylie Gillies, radio personality Sami Lucas and creative director Rodd Martin.

- AAP