'Best job' contenders get down to work in Australia

Candidates for "the best job in the world" experienced the daily grind of life as caretakers of an Australian tropical island yesterday - diving reefs and eating gourmet meals.

The workday for the 16 hopefuls selected from more than 34,000 applicants globally began with a dip in the waters of the Great Barrier Reef, showing them first-hand one of the tourist attractions they must tout if they win the job.

Tourism Queensland chief executive officer Anthony Hayes said the contenders then lunched on local delicacies cooked by gourmet chefs in a variety of cuisine styles.

Mr Haynes said there was a serious intent behind the activities, which are part of a competition to select a temporary caretaker who can promote the Hamilton Island area to a global audience.

"We are closely monitoring their ability to deal with media and an intense itinerary, all the while blogging about their experiences to the world," he said.

The winner of the competition, which has attracted worldwide attention and snared free publicity worth an estimated €58 million, will be named tomorrow.

The successful candidate will receive 150,000 Australian dollars for six months' work in the tourist paradise.

They will be expected to have as much fun as possible - soaking up the sun, swimming, snorkelling and sailing - and report to a global audience via weekly blogs, photo diaries and video updates.

The 16 finalists hail from 15 countries, including Korean journalist Juweon Kim, Japanese receptionist Mieko Kobayashi, manager Yi Yao from China, sports teacher Greg Reynen from Singapore and DJ Anjaan RJ from India.