Ben Southall Wins 'Best Job in the World'

"The Best Job in the World" has been chronicled all over the place, and now there's a winner: Ben Southall, an English "adventurer."

The news was announced today via Queensland Premier Anna Bligh:

“It was a tough challenge for both the candidates and the selection panel and I am proud to announce that on July 1 Ben Southall will become Tourism Queensland’s newest employee as Caretaker of the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef," Ms Bligh said.

“We are looking forward to Ben starting his role ... and showing us what he can do during the six months.”

Yes, aren't we all. Except by "looking forward to" what she mean is "plan on being insanely jealous of." Now, I'm not sure what Southall will do, but he darn sure better be quirky, because if he's not, this is going to end up being a pretty lame promotion.

And yes, that's just me being bitter. Congrats to Mr. Southall.

Australia Is Going to Pay Someone to Party and Blog for Living

Looking for a new job? Don't want to deal with pesky things like snow and hail? Willing to relocate to a lush tropical oasis? And get paid six figures to do so?

Queensland is looking for you.

The Australian state, home to the Great Barrier Reef and Brisbane, is looking for someone to fill "the best job in the world," according to Queensland's Acting Premier Paul Lucas. Here's the basic job description:

The successful applicant will live on Hamilton Island for six months and travel to other Islands of the Great Barrier Reef and report back on their adventures to a global audience via weekly blogs, photo diaries, video updates. They'll also have to talk to media from time to time about what they're doing so they can't be too shy and they'll have to love the sea, the sun, the outdoors.

Besides a crazy six-month salary of AUD $150,000 (US$158,000+), "the successful applicant would receive return airfares from the nearest capital city in their home country, accommodation on Hamilton Island, travel insurance for the contract period, computer, internet, digital video and stills camera access," according to Queensland Tourism Minister Desley Boyle .

Applications are being taken through February 22. More information can be found at the Tourism Queensland website.