A BRITON started work yesterday in "the best job in the world" – a six-month contract as caretaker of the islands on Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
Ben Southall, a former charity fundraiser, beat more than 35,000 applicants to the post, which 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.
The 34-year-old, from Petersfield in Hampshire, fought off competition from 15 other finalists to win the A$150,000 (£70,000) role.
He was chosen by officials from Tourism Queensland on 6 May after a four-day selection process on Hamilton, Daydream and Hayman islands.
Mr Southall, whose new home is a rent-free, three-bedroom, ocean-front villa on Hamilton Island, said "excited" could not begin to describe how he felt about starting the job. He added: "It seems a lifetime ago when I sat down in January to plan and film my 60-second video application for the 'best job in the world'.
"At times I still can't believe I was successful in being offered what has to be the most sought-after job in the world – the chance to spend six months exploring the islands of the Great Barrier Reef – one of the world's most amazing destinations."
The job is part of a campaign to attract visitors to the Great Barrier Reef, and tourism chiefs claim it already has generated £98m in publicity.
It became an internet hit, spreading across the world via YouTube and social networking sites such as Facebook.
