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.
The Best Interview Event in the World
The final 16 applicants attended a job interview unlike any other in early May 2009. The interviews were held in Queensland on the Whitsunday Islands and involved all 16 applicants taking on a range of tasks from swimming, snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, sampling local cuisine as well as undergoing formal interviews and tests.
The four day interview culminated in Ben Southall from the United Kingdom being appointed Caretaker of the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef. The announcement was a truly electric moment as Ben’s name was read out in front of the world’s cameras. The other applicants, who by now, had developed close friendships with each other, rushed to congratulate him.
All of the candidates were very special but Ben’s adventurous spirit, energy and passion for the outdoors proved an irresistible combination.