Women. Influential women, empowering women, movie women, talented women, sports star women, impressive women, political women, amazing women, model women, funny women, commercial women, beautiful women, Commonwealth Games women, pop star women, artistic women, reality TV women, newsworthy women, incredible women, wonderful women, soap star women, brilliant women, extraordinary women, TV presenter women, fitspo women, awesome women, cool women, gutsy women, Australian women – HOT women. Yes, welcome to the 2022 MAXIM HOT 100 – our annual, eclectic and definitive list of Australian women who have impressed, made headlines or simply had a huge year. The past 12 months saw an abundance of fine and fierce femmes who have wowed us with their aptitude, intellect, humour, attributes and overall incredible talents.
None more so than this year’s winner, Margot Robbie, whose Hollywood star continues to shine brightly on the silver screen, and as a producer, as she fast becomes one of the most powerful women in entertainment. Add endorsements, ambassador roles, beauty and brains to the mix and she’s the complete package. This also marks Margot’s third time topping the annual MAXIM HOT 100, which now officially makes her the first person in its history to achieve this unique hat-trick!
However, she’s not the only amazing Aussie woman in our 100 – there’s many, many more. So, sit back and enjoy this super-sizzling special edition of MAXIM Australia.
100 Dani Laidley
Following a difficult few years, which drug addiction and a charge for stalking, Dani returned to the spotlight in 2022 and tossed the coin during the AFL’s much-discussed Pride Round. She also turned heads while walking the red carpet at this year’s Brownlow Medal, her first since coming out as transgender. Laidley, who previously played for the West Coast Eagles and North Melbourne (and later became a coach) recently dropped her autobiography Don’t Look Away: A Memoir of Identity & Acceptance. Congrats, Dani.
99 Annastacia Palaszczuk
After delivering Brisbane the Olympics last year, 2022 was equally newsworthy for Qld’s Premier. Dealing with sliding popularity, natural disasters and a rocky recovery from COVID-19, AP has remained as dependable as ever – proving why she’s the country’s second longest serving state leader. She is also a good reminder that not all politicians from up north are whacky right wing nut jobs.
98 Flick & Gabby
This year, the Amazing Race’s Flick and Gabby (aka the Barista Sisters) swapped cafe life for an epic race around the world. Despite pulling out all the stops, the sisters were the 11th team to be knocked out of the TV juggernaut – but not before finding their way into viewers and MAXIM’s hearts with their somewhat funny one-liners.
97 Penny Wong
The arrival of a new Labor government this year saw Penny Wong score the Minister for Foreign Affairs portflio. Our international credibility rose instantly as Wong quickly worked to strengthen ties with Pacific island countries and repair frosty relations with NZ. She’s also the first LGBTI person and first Asian Australian to serve in this position, and was even named Australia’s most trusted politician by Roy Morgan. Wong is in the house!
96 Jodie Haydon
As Anthony Albanese’s official domestic partner, Jodie is the first PM’s girlfriend to occupy the Lodge. The happy couple started dating in 2021 and were said to have bonded over a mutual love of the NRL Rabbitohs. Our unofficial first lady has even swapped a busy career in financial services and women’s advocacy to accompany the PM on official engagements – and to make him look less dorky.
95 Tracy Grimshaw
This year, this legendary broadcaster gave up her iconic role as host of Nine’s A Current Affair. For almost 17 years viewers tuned in nightly to watch Tracy present hard-hitting stories that usually involve dole bludgers, dodgy tradies or demonising non-anglo folk. Although Trace will no longer be on our screens, we can still enjoy some epic YouTube compilations of her most unhinged moments.
94 Karen’s Diner staff
What originally started as an internet catch-all for racist and problematic white women everywhere, Karen’s Diner took a meme and turned it into an oddly successful business concept. The premise is simple: Karen’s is a restaurant where staff are instructed to be rude and aggressive to anyone who dare enter their venue. And if you thought that was pretty niche, think again – Karen’s Diner has grown to include multiple outlets across three Aussie states. So, if you love being mildly insulted and abused by wait staff while eating overpriced food, visit now!
93 Natalie Barr
As co-host since 2021, Nat has taken on the top job with ease and made it her own to the point where Sam Armytage has moved to the farm. There’s something oddly comforting about getting the early morning headlines from Barr, who appears more relaxed and may even make Kochie seem more likable. Jury is still out.
