HoodaThunk?

Back in January there was a big hubbub about a job opening in Australia’s Queensland for a person to basically live the life of Riley on Hamilton Island and blog about his day swimming amid the coral reefs, taking longs walks on the pristine sandy beaches, and basically loafing the day away. While I wasn’t available (still trying to remember why I wasn’t available…) there were about 35,000 people who were. They applied in such droves that they killed the server taking the applications.

Well, we now know who the lucky little bugger was: Ben Southall of the UK.

A bungee jumping, ostrich-riding British charity worker was named the winner Wednesday of what’s been dubbed the “Best Job in the World” — a six-month contract to serve as caretaker of a tropical Australian island.

Ben Southall, 34, of Petersfield, beat out nearly 35,000 applicants from around the world for the dream assignment to swim, explore and relax on Hamilton Island in the Great Barrier Reef for while writing a blog to promote the area.

He was selected for the $111,000 gig by officials from the tourism department of Queensland state.

Yep, that’s right. He’s employed with a salary of $111,000 (doesn’t say if that’s USD or AUD) and he gets to live free in a 3-bedroom villa with a private pool and, reportedly, a stunning view of the islands.

Congrats, Mr. Southall! We’re looking forward to hearing about the Hamiltons from you!