Hawkins is a former Newcastle Knights cheerleader, and is the first Australian to win the competition since Perth's Kerry Anne Wells in 1972.
The 5-foot-11-inch blonde with blue eyes was chosen from among 80 beauty queens representing their respective countries.
The sizzling show was hosted by Billy Bush, Access Hollywood correspondent and actress/model Daisy Fuentes.
About 500 foreign journalists had flocked to the equator to watch the pageant.
The three Miss Universe 2004 finalists (from L to R) Miss USA Shandi Finnessey, Miss Puerto Rico Alba Reyes, and Miss Australia Jennifer Hawkins.
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