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.

Best Job Ben booked for Hobie Kayak clinic in the Whitsundays

 Former Best Job in the World Island Caretaker and current Tourism Ambassador for Queensland Ben Southall, will hold a Hobie Kayak clinic during the winter school holidays at BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday in Airlie Beach.  

 Almost a quarter of the way into the Best Expedition in the World, a 1600 km kayaking venture that retraces the route taken by Captain James Cook along the Great Barrier Reef, Ben will welcome a day on land on June 28.

 As well as teaching youngsters how to sail a Hobie kayak Ben will explain more about his journey and his reef discoveries to date.

 BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday owner Naomi McKinnon said Ben’s presence will be a real highlight.

 “By the time Ben reaches our shores, he will have peddled, paddled and sailed almost 400 kilometres up the Great Barrier Reef since his launch from the Town of 1770 on May 21. He has bundles of enthusiasm and is a great role model for leaving the computer behind and getting active and into nature. If anyone can teach kids a passion for the great outdoors it has to be Ben.”

 BIG4 Adventure Activity Co-ordinator Alanna Schneider believes Ben’s kayaking lesson, along with the professional sailing clinics, are a perfect activity for kids visiting the Whitsundays for the first time. 

 “Imagine growing up and telling your kids that you had your first sailing lesson in the beautiful Whitsundays – and with Ben.  It’s a memory to last a lifetime,” Alanna said.

 During his visit to the region, Ben will also have an opportunity to catch up with his parents who are staying at Adventure Whitsunday from Monday 27 June as part of their own Queensland Road Trip.

 Ben said, “I’m a big supporter of nature and adventure and it’s fantastic to see BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday organise sporting activities for kids these school holidays. This is a beautiful environment and it’s natural that kids should get fit, get healthy and get out and enjoy it.”

 Ben’s Hobie Kayak clinic is just one of a number of activities scheduled at the holiday park to encourage younger kids to try new activities and ‘tweens and teens to learn new skills through bookable clinics. 

Get the million dollar memo

First came the best job in the world and now there's the million dollar memo - a chance for companies or workplaces around the globe to vie for the opportunity to win $1million worth of unique travel experiences here in Queensland.
Yesterday tourism Queensland announced a further $50,000 reconnaissance incentive for contenders who submit their entires by April 17.
To read more on this and other news stories pick up a copy of the Whitsunday Coast Guardian, available now at leading newsagencies, Coles (Cannonvale) and the Chapman Street office in Proserpine.