Today we’re chatting with Eliana Charnley from Western Australia, one of 30 remarkable women vying for the Miss Universe Australia 2025 crown, to be decided on August 15 at Crown Perth’s Grand Ballroom.
So, why don’t you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
am 22 and from Perth, Western Australia. I have grown up by the beach my whole life and love to surf. Apart from being in the water, I’m in my fifth and final year studying Law and Commerce at university.
What inspired you to take the leap and enter Miss Universe Australia?
It actually started as a spontaneous decision one late night after finishing work, and potentially a few glasses of wine. I didn’t overthink it at the time, which is very unlike me, although I am so glad that I made the decision to apply, even if I had no idea what I was getting myself into.
As part of the program, you had the amazing opportunity to travel to Vietnam, and stay at the beautiful Hoiana Resort. How was that experience for you?
It was surreal. I’ll admit I was a bit apprehensive, being thrown together with 29 other women I hadn’t met before sounded like the start of a social experiment. But I was completely wrong. The women were intelligent, kind, and genuinely fun to be around. It ended up being one of the most positive and energising experiences I’ve had.
What would you say was the highlight of the trip?
Winning the golf tournament with my team was definitely up there, though I’m still unsure whether it was skill or sheer luck. But in all seriousness, the real highlight was getting to connect with people I otherwise never would have crossed paths with.
As part of the trip, you also took part in your official swimwear shoot with Unnecessary the Label. How was that experience for you?
The experience was particularly anxiety-inducing for me initially. I have never modelled or had any sort of professional shooting experience and generally I feel quite awkward in front of the camera. But the team made the experience feel natural and empowering. It was one of those moments where I surprised myself by actually enjoying something I thought would be uncomfortable. That seems to be a recurring theme in this program, which I love.
Your next question comes from our current Miss Universe Australia, Zoe Creed. If your younger self could see you today, not just on this stage but as a person, what do you think she’d be most proud of, and why?
Honestly? She’d probably be shocked I’ve made it this far without dropping out to become a recluse. But I think she’d be proud of the fact that I’m doing something meaningful, pushing myself, and somehow surviving five years of law school without spontaneously combusting. That alone feels like a win.
With everyone bringing their own unique flair to the program, what would you say sets you apart from the other contestants?
I think what sets me apart is my mix of humour and clarity. I don’t take myself too seriously, but I do take what I stand for seriously. I try to represent myself as someone who, whilst fairly grounded and ambitious, still has the capacity to not take life too seriously.
What’s something about you that people might find surprising or interesting?
I have my scuba ticket, though I still get mildly claustrophobic in lifts, which feels like a personality contradiction I haven’t yet resolved.
If you could work on any dream project, with no limits on time or resources, what would it be?
I’d love to create an international initiative that makes legal literacy accessible and engaging, especially for women and young people. The law can feel like it’s designed to exclude, but it has so much potential to empower. I’d want to build something that helps people understand their rights in plain language, ask better questions, and challenge systems that aren’t serving them.
We have a few quick questions to wrap up the interview:
What’s a song that never fails to lift your mood?
Champagne Supernova by Oasis
What does confidence mean to you?
Being able to laugh at yourself and your own mistakes.
If you had to swap lives with someone for a day, who would it be and why?
David Attenborough. I’d spend the day narrating people’s lives in a dramatic whisper and making everything sound far more important than it is.
What’s one thing you always have in your handbag (besides your phone)?
Corded headphones (they’re better).
Window or aisle seat on a flight?
Aisle
Help Eliana and the Miss Universe Australia Finalists Make a Difference.
Eliana, along with the other Miss Universe Australia Finalists, have collectively raised over $500,000 to support ToyBox and its official 2025 charities Camp Quality, Ocean Heroes and Ronald McDonald House. You can donate now using the link below.
