In 2009 Ben Southall was announced as the successful candidate for Tourism Queensland's 'Best Job in the World' campaign and became the Caretaker for the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef. Since then he has worked as a Queensland Tourism Ambassador travelling extensively throughout the state filming, photographing and blogging about his adventures. Read More
Ben embarked on the 'Best Expedition in the World' in 2011. A four month, 1600km kayak and sailing journey from the Town of 1770 on the Central Queensland coast, north to Cooktown in Queensland’s Tropical North. The incredible adventure showcased this natural wonder of the world, the Great Barrier Reef, to a global audience through this website.
Today Ben works with Tourism Queensland promoting the state, taking journalists and industry friends on adventures throughout Queensland and gets out to the Great Barrier Reef whenever possible. Ben is passionate about Queensland which is now well and truly home. Read Less
To contact us about the Best Expedition please email bestexpedition@tq.com.au.
About the Best Job
In January 2009 Tourism Queensland embarked on a global search to find an Island Caretaker to explore the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland Australia and report back to the world about their experiences. We like to call this the ‘Best Job in the World’
On offer was a salary of AUD $150,000 for a six month position with live in luxury accommodation on Hamilton Island and the opportunity to explore all that the region has to offer.
Over 34,000 would-be caretakers from Azerbaijan to Zimbabwe and everywhere in between uploaded a 60-second video showing their creativity and skills. From celebrities, writers, tour guides, environmentalists, students, to mums, dads and retirees everyone was vying for the Best Job in the World.
A shortlist of 50 applicants from 22 countries were narrowed down to a final 16, 15 whom were chosen by Tourism Queensland, and the 16th a ’wild card’ applicant Claire Wang from Taiwan chosen by popular vote.