Miley Cyrus has never confirmed that she is dating actor Liam Hemsworth.
But any doubt surrounding the pair's relationship will surely be put to rest after seeing these steamy pictures.
Hannah Montana star Miley, 17, was spotted frolicking on the beach in Australia with The Last Song co-star Liam, 19, earlier this week.
In love: Miley Cyrus and new boyfriend Liam Hemsworth on the beach in Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia earlier this week
Wearing a cropped t-shirt which showed off her washboard stomach and pierced tummy button, teamed with denim hotpants and aviator sunglasses, Miley looked every inch the American beach babe.
Toned: Miley's outfit choice showed off her slim figure
Miley, who has been staying with Liam's family for the past week after finishing her world tour, flew back to Los Angeles with Liam yesterday - but not without causing chaos.
Relaxed: Miley and Liam stare into each other's eyes as they lay on the beach
Steamy: The couple moved in for a passionate kiss
When Miley, who had managed without a security escort for her whole trip, flew home from Melbourne airport, she caused such excitement that she was given a police escort through the terminal and rushed through customs in a bid to escape the paparazzi and screaming fans.
Prickly: After returning to Los Angeles, the couple try to relax by visiting an acupuncture centre in West Hollywood
Casual: Miley chose a simple white vest top and black jeans for her LA return
Miley, the daughter of country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, said: 'Here, my parents are thinking they're seeing a beautiful picture by a major photographer, and the people of America want to see something dirty in that?
'It doesn't make sense to us because [my family] doesn't look for negativity. But people don't want to say, "What a great performance" or "What a great shot".
'No-one wants to look at something like that and see the positive because it doesn't sell a magazine.'
On-screen lovers: Miley and Liam lock lips in The Last Song
She added to Harper's Bazaar magazine: 'People like controversy because that's what sells. My job is to be a role model, and that's what I want to do, but my job isn't to be a parent.'
Miley's 'Just Breathe' tattoo is next to her heart, in memory of those she has lost
Candid: The full interview with Miley appears in this month's issue of U.S. Harper's Bazaar magazine
'So to take that away from me is a bit selfish. Your kids are going to make mistakes whether I do or not. That's just life.'
Teen idol Miley also revealed the reasons behind getting her first tattoo, an inscription on her ribcage just under her left breast.
The performer, who lost a friend to cystic fibrosis in 2007 and both grandfathers to lung cancer, said: 'It reminds me not to take things for granted.
'I mean, breathing - that was something none of them could do, the most basic thing.
'And I put it near my heart because that is where they will always be.'
The Last Song is set for release in April this year.
