Women say outback contest 'not just bikinis and beauty'

Entrants in Miss Cable Beach say the experience helped to grow their confidence. (Supplied: Divers Tavern)

Francisca Henriquez never thought she'd be walking down a catwalk in outback Western Australia.

The 31-year-old, recently crowned 2026 Miss Cable Beach, said she was naturally a shy person.

Ms Henriquez said hearing her friends cheer from the crowd brought out her "alter ego". (Supplied: Divers Tavern)

But gliding down a pub stage in front of a packed crowd in Broome brought out her "alter ego".

"I really love that energy around me."

The Miss Cable Beach contest has been running for more than three decades, and continues to draw crowds and numerous entries.

Miss Cable Beach first launched at Divers Tavern in 1991. (Supplied: Divers Tavern)

While core aspects of the competition have held firm, organisers argue the event has evolved since its 1991 inception.

Events coordinator at Divers Tavern Saoirse Meally said participants were given more opportunities to share their personality and style, with the addition of more questions and a resort wear round.

"It's not just all about the bikini and appearance, it's about what's inside the girl too," she said.

Ms Meally said the competition had evolved to be more than "appearance and bikinis". (ABC Kimberley: Rachel Jackson)

Ms Meally said she had seen women "completely come out of their shells" after competing.

"After they've done it, they're on a high for a week," she said.

"Their perception of it completely changes."

Hailing from Chile, Ms Henriquez has called Broome home for four years.

She first entered last year with hopes of purchasing her mother a plane ticket to Broome using the $10,000 prize money.

Ms Henriquez said she was surprised by the contest's welcoming environment. (Supplied: Divers Tavern)

"For sure it's about beauty, but also something deeper about how women feel about themselves," she said.

While the money might have spurred her entry, Ms Henriquez said it was something she would look back on in years to come.

"I can see how proud I feel about myself," she said.

She said this year's prize money will go towards her next visa application, and dream of staying in town.

For men looking to strut their stuff, a "Mr Cable Beach" event runs alongside the women's final event.

A Mr Cable Beach competition runs alongside the women's final event. (Supplied: Divers Tavern)

Across Australia, the landscape of bikini competitions has shifted away from casual pub contests to competitive fitness events.

But in Broome, traditions like Miss Cable Beach and the Roebuck Bay Hotel's Wet Tee competition have remained.

Some feel conflicted as to whether these events still have a place in today's society.

The event remains a hit in Broome. (Supplied: Divers Tavern)

Professor of Body Image and Health at Flinders University Ivanka Prichard said her immediate thought when it came to a bikini contest was one of concern.

"Given that a bikini competition would imply that someone's body is on display, potentially objectified," she said.

Professor Prichard said she had a mixed opinion on the events.

"But if it's done carefully and there are a range of options for those competing, then I think that could be a positive thing," she said.