Vanessa Hudgens wowed in gold today at the world première of Journey 2: The Mysterious Island in Melbourn, Australia

Golden girl Vanessa Hudgens glows in stunning metallic dress at Journey 2: The Mysterious Island première in Australia
By Ann Pride

Vanessa Hudgens wowed her fans in Melbourne in a glamorous gold dress at the world première of Journey 2: The Mysterious Island.

The brunette beauty paired her one-shouldered frock from designer Zaeem Jamal with bright red heels and gold jewellery.

The American star kicked off the movie's worldwide promotional blitz on the red carpet in Australia at the Jam Factory Cinema.

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/01/15/article-2087086-0F76F0B000000578-212_634x764.jpg
Glowing: Vanessa Hudgens wowed in gold today at the world première of Journey 2: The Mysterious Island in Melbourn, Australia

The High School Musical sweetheart said she was delighted to be in Australia for the fourth time.

She told the Herald Sun Newspaper: 'I love Australia so much. My best friend is actually from here, and I really love the place.'

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/01/15/article-2087086-0F76F0A400000578-97_634x787.jpg
All grown up: The former Disney star was the picture of lady like elegance in her one-shouldered frock from designer Zaeem Jamal

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/01/15/article-2087086-0F76F05400000578-582_306x500.jpg

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/01/15/article-2087086-0F76F0A800000578-867_306x500.jpg
Over-the-moon: Vanessa was clearly impressed with the warm welcome
she received in Australia

The perky young star flashed a big smile as she strutted down the red carpet in the Land Down Under.

The 23-year-old struck several poses and blew a big kiss to the assembled cameras.

Vanessa, who is new to the franchise, laughed it up on the carpet along with her co-star Josh Hutcherson who appeared in the original film.

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/01/15/article-2087086-0F79557200000578-203_634x512.jpg
Make-over: Josh Hutcherson is the only remaining actor from the first instalment, while Luis Guzman, Vanessa Hudgens and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson are all new to the franchise

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island centres around a woman and her boyfriend on a mission to find his grandfather, who is thought to be missing on a mythical island.

It co-stars Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson who was brought in to replace Brendan Fraser who starred in the last instalment titled Journey to the Center of the Earth.

The action-adventure opens in Australia on January 19 and in North American on February 10.