TERRI Irwin swapped the khaki for a slinky black evening dress yesterday as she walked the red carpet at the annual G'day USA Australia Week gala ball in Hollywood.

The appearance was so out of character for the wife of the late Steve Irwin that she outshone stars including Cate Blanchett, Russell Crowe, The Wiggles, John Travolta, Naomi Watts and Olivia Newton-John in the race for the photographers' attention.
Inside the ceremony, Terri – who was joined by eight-year-old daughter Bindi – was emotional as she accepted a lifetime achievement award on behalf of her husband, who was killed by a stingray in September.
"It's a very special night to celebrate," Irwin said.
"I think Steve would have felt overwhelmed (by the award) – he wouldn't have believed it.
"Steve has always been a very humble person and never thought of himself as terribly terrific but he sure thought his country is.
"I wish Steve was here and if I can't have that I'll do my best in his stead."
Terri was yesterday named as a special ambassador for Australian tourism and will soon star in her own globally screened television series about travel in Australia as part of her promotional duties.
Crowe and Watts were also honoured for their achievements in the entertainment industry.
The Gladiator star said it was a bittersweet evening, with the Oscar-winner sad his wildlife warrior friend was missing from the event they had looked forward to attending together.
"It was not so long ago that we were making plans to be here together and working out what sort of mischief we might get up to but then that all changed," he said.
Other well-known names on the red carpet included former cricket captain Steve Waugh, former Olympic swim champion Kieran Perkins, surfing champion Layne Beachley rock duo sisters The Veronicas and Australian screen stars Melissa George, Simon Baker, Kimberley Joseph and Kate Beahan.
Irwin said she had enjoyed glamming-up for the special evening, but was not used to donning a gown and heels.
"This is strange – hopefully no-one is going to call me with a wildlife emergency and I have to climb a tree to rescue a squirrel," she joked.
"I'm a bit out of my depth tonight but I'm having a wonderful time."
G'day USA Australia Week festivities continue tomorrow with a sold out concert by Bindi and The Wiggles, before the roadshow moves to Washington and New York.
Meanwhile, Australia can expect a surge in American tourists with Qantas announcing today it is adding five new flights from the US to satisfy increased demand.