Today we’re chatting with Caitlin Worthington from Queensland, one of 28 remarkable women vying for the Miss Universe Australia 2026 crown, to be decided on August 26 at Palladium, Crown Melbourne. In a first for the pageant, this year’s national final will be broadcast live nationally on the Seven Network.
So Caitlin, why don’t you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
I’m Caity, a Brisbane local who loves the simple things—Saturday mornings at the markets, a river walk with my boxer Millie, and catching up with friends over coffee. I like to keep busy but also have learnt to slow down sometimes and live life in the present. Mind you, my camera roll would suggest I spend most of my spare time taking photos of my dog.
By day, I’m a radiographer, and outside of work I’ve somehow found myself stepping into the world of modelling and Miss Universe Australia. It’s an unexpected combination, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What inspired you to take the leap and enter Miss Universe Australia?
I entered Miss Universe Australia as a way of rediscovering myself. After spending a number of years navigating injury and illness, I’d lost a lot of the confidence I once had. It felt like the right time to step outside my comfort zone, challenge myself in a completely different way, and reconnect with the version of myself I’d been missing.
I was also hoping to meet some incredible women along the way—and I genuinely have. My birthday’s at the end of August, so I think I’ll need a slightly bigger table this year!
As part of the program, you had the amazing opportunity to travel to Vietnam and stay at the beautiful Mövenpick Resort Cam Ranh. How was that experience for you?
I’d never been to Vietnam before, so I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but it completely won me over. The resort was beautiful, staff were amazing, the food was incredible, and somehow every day brought something different.
What made the trip special though wasn’t just the location—it was sharing it with such an amazing group of women. We laughed a lot, slept very little, and somehow squeezed a lifetime of memories into one week.
What’s one moment from the trip you don’t think you’ll ever forget?
I discovered very quickly that ice cream for breakfast was apparently acceptable in Vietnam… and honestly, who was I to argue?
But the moment I’ll remember most was our welcome dinner and ending the night singing along all together on the beach. It was the first moment everyone let their guard down. It was loud, fun, and completely unplanned, and it set the tone for the rest of the trip.
As part of the trip, you also took part in your official swimwear shoot with Unnecessary. What was the experience like?
It was honestly so much fun. The whole team made the day such an enjoyable experience, and I can’t wait to see the photos once they’re released.
I was part of the ‘splash’ segment, which for me, mostly involved floating on my back in what was essentially a children’s pool, attempting to look effortlessly glamorous while avoiding surprise waves from kids launching themselves down the waterslide. Safe to say the behind-the-scenes footage will be telling a completely different story!
Your next question comes from our current Miss Universe Australia, Lexie Brant. What is one belief or perspective that you’ve changed your mind about recently, and what caused that change?
I think my perspective on confidence and perfectionism has changed the most. I used to think I needed to have everything figured out before taking on something challenging, but I’ve realised confidence often comes from showing up and trusting yourself along the way.
There have been moments where this experience has felt overwhelming, and I’ve had to remind myself why I started. I’m incredibly lucky to be in this position, and I have the opportunity to create a platform that could hopefully inspire other women in the future.
I often think about the Caity from even 12 months ago who couldn’t walk without pain and was learning to trust her body again. I’m doing this for her. My reason for entering hasn’t changed, but I’ve shifted from trying to prove myself to allowing myself to simply enjoy the experience.
With everyone bringing their own unique flair to the program, what would you say sets you apart from the other finalists?
Being one of the tallest contestants and the only redhead in the lineup probably makes me pretty easy to spot!
Beyond that, I’d like to think I’m someone who’s grounded, compassionate, and quietly confident. I love a laugh, I genuinely care about the people around me, and I hope I make others feel comfortable just by being myself.
I think people remember how you made them feel far more than whether you had the perfect answer, and that’s the kind of impression I love to leave.
What’s one skill, trip, or activity, not Miss Universe related, that you want to tick off your list before the end of 2026?
I’d love to properly get back into playing piano. I played when I was younger, and I recently started learning again. There’s something really special about reconnecting with things you loved as a kid, and I’d love to be able to sit down and play a song I can sing along to by the end of the year.
If you could work on any dream project, with no limits on time or resources, what would it be?
If I could create any dream project, it would be a platform focused on supporting people through the transitional periods of life. Whether it’s injury, illness, or a season where you feel a little lost, I’d love to create a space that reminds people that what feels permanent in the moment often isn’t.
Through my work in healthcare and my own recovery journey, I’ve seen how much these experiences can impact someone’s confidence and identity. I’d love to use storytelling, conversations, and shared experiences to help people feel less alone and remind them that the chapter they’re in now doesn’t have to define them.
If 2026 had a theme song, what would it be?
“Dancing On My Own” – Robyn.
It probably means something different to everyone, but to me it’s a reminder that not every journey has to be shared. Some of the biggest leaps I’ve taken this year have been the ones I’ve taken on my own.
What’s the most “you” thing currently sitting in your camera roll?
Approximately 47 almost-identical photos of my boxer, Millie. Do you want to see one?
Best piece of advice you’ve ever ignored?
“Caity… it doesn’t need to be perfect.”
I wish I could say I listened the first time. I’m definitely someone who can overthink things, but this year has taught me that showing up imperfectly is a lot better than not showing up at all.
What’s a completely useless or funny talent you have that you’re weirdly proud of?
Oh, that’s easy. I’ve actually got two. I’m surprisingly good at killing flies, and I’ll memorise your pantry. So if you can’t find the peanut butter six months later, chances are I’ll know exactly where it is… or I’ll be the reason it’s gone.
Where to Watch Caitlin on the Miss Universe Australia National Final
The Miss Universe Australia National Final is being broadcast live on Seven Network on August 26, 2026. The live red-carpet coverage will begin at 7:00pm AEST, followed by the National Final at 7:30pm AEST on 7plus. The program then airs on Channel Seven following The Front Bar.
