A British man has been appointed as the new caretaker of an Australian tropical island.

Ben Southall, 34, a charity fundraiser from Petersfield, Hampshire, emerged from a field of 35,000 applicants, reports the BBC.

The six-month position, advertised as "the best job in the world", requires him to live on Hamilton Island, on Queensland's Great Barrier Reef.

Mr Southall was chosen from among 16 finalists "competing" for the £73,500 position. He was named as the successful candidate in a reality TV-style ceremony by Tourism Queensland.

Mr Southall, who was congratulated by his vanquished rivals as his name was announced, will now begin the arduous task of preparing for life alone on the picture-perfect island.

As well as the salary, the post of "caretaker" at Hamilton Island comes with a three-bedroom beach home, a swimming pool and golf cart.

The job description also requires Mr Southall "to explore the islands of the Great Barrier Reef, swim, snorkel, make friends with the locals and generally enjoy the tropical Queensland climate and lifestyle".

He will also be expected to report back to Tourism Queensland and the world via blogs, a photo diary, video updates and interviews.

Mr Southall was chosen after the finalists spent four days on Hamilton Island undergoing a rigorous selection process involving snorkelling, BBQs, and time at a spa.

The finalists also had to demonstrate their blogging abilities, take swimming tests and sit through in-person interviews.

The lack of stress will get on his nerves soon enough.