After months of searching tourism Queensland has announced the winner of the best job in the world contest. Ben Southall, 34, beat out nearly 35,000 applicants from around the world for the “difficult” assignment to swim, explore and relax on Hamilton Island in the Great Barrier Reef for the next six months.

Officials stated they were impressed with Southall’s proactive approach to campaigning for the role, which included securing an extensive amount of media coverage. The job requires Southhall to write a blog about his adventures on the island. In return, Southall will be payed $150,000.

In addition to being paid Southall will live for free in an airy, three-bedroom oceanfront villa with a private pool and sweeping views of the surrounding islands.