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Life's a beach for Barrier Reef Brit
08.07.09
A former charity worker who landed "the best job in the world" was hard at work today - visiting a paradise island to dive, enjoy a beach picnic and gaze at the sunrise.
Ben Southall, from Petersfield, Hampshire, beat more than 35,000 other applicants to be named Island Caretaker on Australia's Great Barrier Reef with a 150,000 Australian dollars (£70,000) contract.
The 34-year-old started work last week and arrived in Northern Queensland today to start exploring some of the reef's islands.
Tourism Queensland boss Anthony Hayes said he would be whisked off to the luxury resort of Lizard Island as part of a week-long visit to the area.
Mr Hayes said: "While on Lizard Island, Ben will be treated to a gourmet picnic on one of the island's 24 powdery-white beaches, fit in an early morning walk to Cooks Look-Out to see the sunrise, dive at the famous Cod Hole and take a boat out to explore Lizard Island by sea."
The new caretaker will also visit the sights of Cairns and take in some other tropical islands and well-known holiday spots.
"It will be a great chance for him to see where the rainforest meets the reef and experience how easy it is to access to the best reef experiences from Cairns, such as diving and fishing," Mr Hayes said.
Mr Southall's six-month role involves exploring hundreds of tropical islands off the coast of Queensland while writing a blog with photos and video updates to attract visitors to the area.
His new home is a rent-free three-bedroom oceanfront villa on Hamilton Island.
He fought off competition from 15 other finalists to win the job.
Reader views (4)
I'm as jealous as heck and I will NOT read his blog.
- Jon Vickers, S.C.USA
http://www.bestjobben.com/
- Marie, London
We know he won and we're all envious, now stop rubbing it in!
- Bob, Cheam
what is his blog url? it would be interesting to read of his experience from himself.
- Anthony Wong, london uk
