Queensland Australia

Queensland is the best holiday destination in the world and is home to a vast array of experiences.  Queensland's incredible natural treasures are the jewels in our crown, including World-Heritage listed national parks such as the Great Barrier Reef, Fraser Island and Daintree Rainforest, where amazing natural encounters become part of the everyday. Queensland is renowned for its islands, particularly the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef – home to the Best Job in the World.

Our beaches are also world-famous, from the sun-kissed Gold Coast, to the laid back surf beaches of the Sunshine Coast and the palm-tree lined beaches of the tropics. Queensland is also the best adventure destination in the world - from diving the Great Barrier Reef, to sailing in the Whitsundays, surfing the Gold and Sunshine Coast beaches, hiking the rainforest and exploring the vast distances of Queensland's Outback.  Queensland's capital city Brisbane combines the best of a modern city with the laidback lifestyle Queensland is famous for.

The Best Job in the World

After a worldwide search for what we like to call ‘The Best Job in the World’ Ben Southall was chosen as Tourism Queensland’s Island Caretaker. On offer was a six-month contract with rent-free luxury accommodation on Hamilton Island and the opportunity to explore the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef.  Ben, a  34-year-old charity fundraiser from Petersfield in Hampshire, UK, was selected from more than 34,000 people from around the globe who applied for the Best Job in the World with his adventurous spirit, energy and passion for the outdoors shining through.

Ben donned his new work uniform – a wetsuit and flippers – and kept himself busy exploring one of the great natural wonders of the world from 1 July 2009 to 30 December 2009. He worked for six months exploring the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef and reporting on his travels through regular blog posts at www.islandreefjob.com