Whitsunday adventure for Best Job Ben

 For British adventurer Ben Southall, the past two weeks have been anything but dull, with an action-packed Whitsunday itinerary forming part of the ‘Best Expedition in the World’.

 After an eventful arrival in Airlie Beach, Ben hosted a welcome party at the YHA followed by a day of ocean rafting accompanied by travel blogger ‘Tim the Traveller’. Then came a visit to Daydream Island coinciding with the launch of a new educational package, the ‘living reef’.

 “The Living Reef is a great example of how education and entertainment can be combined to provide a unique tourism experience for everybody, from island guests to day trippers and school groups,” Ben said.

 Ben also caught up with Tourism Minister Jan Jarratt at the opening of Art Whitsunday’s annual exhibition, proving, in a mock arm wrestle, he has the muscle-power to kayak the distance ahead.

 Ms Jarratt welcomed Ben back to the Whitsundays. “We thank him for his ongoing efforts to promote Queensland,” she said.

 Following a series of reef monitoring exercises and a rare weekend off, Ben hosted a ‘boys adventure camping and kayaking tour’ with journalists Damien Stannard (Courier Mail) and Tim Spicer (Men’s Fitness magazine) in tow.

 Damien Stannard described the adventure as an “awesome” trip.

 “It was just like the postcards – stunning,” he said.

 After two days on a Hobie kayak, Tim Spicer confirmed Ben’s expedition was “not nearly as easy as it looks”.

 “It’s very challenging actually. Ben’s a fit guy. I don’t know how he’s doing it for 1,600 kms,” he said.

 Last but by no means least, Ben joined forces with solo sailor Jessica Watson in a Whitsunday ‘adventurers challenge’.

 Jessica and Ben were originally scheduled to race separate Hobie kayaks around the south coast of Whitsunday Island, but mere metres into the race Ben’s rudder broke, calling for a sudden change of plan.

 “Ben got a bit scared. It was a bit wet, a bit windy – so he decided he’d come with me instead,” Jessica said.

 “There are two sides to this story… and we’ll go with yours!” Ben said.

 The energetic pair joined took one kayak from Whitehaven Beach to Hamilton Island’s qualia resort in under two hours.

 Jessica described the experience as “great fun”.

 “It’s nice to come up here and do this with Ben. It’s a great expedition he’s on,” she said.  

  Today Ben leaves the Whitsundays with Cooktown firmly in his sights. To follow his progress visit www.islandreefjob.com.