Island Caretaker welcomes ‘best mates’ to the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef
Posted by editor (editor) on Dec 10 2009
2009 >>

Tourism Queensland’s Best Job in the World Island Caretaker Ben Southall has welcomed his Island Caretaker mates to Hamilton Island today as part of their Best Experience in the World competition win, Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor said today.

Mr Lawlor said Barbie Defeo from Huntington Beach in California and her family had arrived in Queensland three weeks ago to begin the trip of a lifetime in Queensland.

“Since their arrival the family has visited Cairns, Green Island, Port Douglas, Townsville, Magnetic Island and more recently Airlie Beach,” Mr Lawlor said.

“Trekking through the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, scuba-diving off Green Island, a scenic train trip, a special Thanksgiving dinner on Magnetic Island and a jet-ski safari at Airlie Beach are just a sample of the activities the Defeos have been able to experience since arriving in Queensland.

“The family will enjoy four nights on Hamilton Island, visiting Whitehaven Beach, having breakfast with the Koalas and visiting Ben at his ‘office’ learning about the arduous life of the Best Job in the World Island Caretaker.”

Ms Defeo said the family was having a wonderful time and had already seen and explored so much in their first three weeks in Queensland.

“Green Island was fantastic, we absolutely loved jungle surfing, scuba-diving and our hot-air balloon ride, there is just so much to see and do here,” Ms Defeo said.

“We also love the warm weather, beautiful countryside and the islands.

“Visiting Ben will certainly be the highlight of our trip though. I feel like I already know him from reading his blogs and watching the videos, he’s so entertaining and I’m really looking forward to meeting him in person.

“We love the water and can’t wait to experience some of the fabulous water-based activities I’ve read about on Ben’s blog such as snorkelling, kayaking and sailing.”

Mr Lawlor said the Defeos would spend their remaining two weeks in Queensland visiting Heron Island, Bundaberg, Lady Elliot Island.

Photographs available:

https://rcpt.yousendit.com/785578542/39aa8c395f99670eab2bfe8d0cb8c4bc (copy and paste into a new window)

Last changed: Dec 10 2009 at 10:47 AM