More than 80 eager phone lovers braved the cold and wet conditions from about 4.45am to get their hands on Apple’s latest gadget.

Former Miss Universe finalist Erin McNaught and Australian breakdancing champion Carlos Estigarribia aka “Pepito” signed autographs and entertained the crowd while they queued.

Mr Thompson said he was pleased to be one of the first to get the new phone in Australia and was already enjoying some of the new features.

“It’s a pretty cool new device it has a great camera and really crisp display,” he said.

Bean bags, heaters and food were also handed out by Optus staff as customers waited.

It was the first time Apple and Optus have launched a phone event of this size in Bendigo and the first of its kind in a regional Australian centre.

Regional sales manager Michael Georgiadis said the response from Bendigonians had been fantastic.

“It’s been a great response from Bendigo with more than 100 customers signing up before lunch on Friday.”

Mr Georgiadis said Optus was also committed to expanding their 3G dual band network to provide better coverage to regional customers.

“Optus has spent more than $2 billion in expanding the 3G dual band network to improve and offer the best possible coverage to regional Victorians,” he said.