The Isa claims Australia’s Best Butt

Wrapped in blue denim, booty shakers from all over the country descended on Julia Creek in an attempt to claim the national title. But there could only be two.

The finals on Saturday night sent the crowd into a frenzy, with the final two ladies neck and neck.

The ladies best butt went to Rachael Thwaites, 23, a Mount Isan beauty therapist.

“My sister-in-law made me enter because she has always said I had a good bum, and apparently she was right,” Ms Thwaites said.

“It feels amazing and I am so exciting. It pretty much allows me to have bragging rights for the next year, so I can brag to my friends and my boyfriend.

“I didn’t tell my boyfriend that I was competing so it was a shock to him that I was up on the stage. The crowd was phenomenal, they cheered us on and encouraged us to bring on our best dance moves.

“You really need to have a strong following to win, as it is judged on audience participation and I felt like half of Mount Isa was in that crowd.”

The best bootyful male went to Mount Isa’s Toby Wicks, 25, who said it was an absolute honour.

“I dunno what I have done to deserve it but the crowd really got behind me tonight, so it was great.

“I had a few people tell me to go in it so it was spur of the moment decision. There was definitely no preparation.

“I think I had an unfair advantage with a lot of people here from Mount Isa cheering me on.

“Looking back on it, I reckon I had a pretty good drop so that might have been what stole it. There was some great competition and all credit to them!”

Starting out as a way to keep the crowd entertained during a power outage in 2004, Australia’s Best Butt has grown its reputation and is now a well-anticipated activity at the Dirt n Dust Festival.