Clarke Gayford short-listed for best job in the world

TV presenter Clarke Gayford. Photo / Norrie Montgomery

He once fronted the travel show Getaway and it seems TV presenter Clarke Gayford hasn't lost his passion for travelling to exotic locations. He has been named as one of 50 finalists hoping to be selected for the job of caretaker of some of the most beautiful islands in the world in the Great Barrier Reef. It's a six-month gig, paying A$150,000, and all he'll need to bring (if he gets it) is sun block and a Julie McCoy cruise director charm.

Tourism Queensland launched a tourism campaign called "Best Job in the World" inviting participants from all around the world to apply for the job. A total of 34,684 people from 200 countries sent in promotional videos about themselves hoping to get the nod for the caretaker position.

They've been whittled down to fifty people from countries as diverse as China, Singapore, Russia, UK, France, Canada, Russia, Indonesia, Germany, Singapore, India, USA, Greece, Japan, Malaysia, Korea, Sweden, Ireland, Kenya, Netherlands, Guam, Australia... and New Zealand.

Those 50 finalists will be slashed down to 10, selected by Tourism Queensland, and an 11th wild card candidate will be selected by an online voting public. Those lucky 11 will be whisked to Hamilton Island and the winner will be announced. The Job starts from July 1.

Gayford is our candidate for paradise gatekeeper. He's our man for the gold medal of cushy job in sun-kissed location. "I'm pretty stoked to have gotten this far," he told me.

And he's got a better chance than most, thanks to his travel presenting skills.

Part of the job requires travelling throughout the remote, picturesque islands off the Queensland coast and keeping a weekly blog. The aim is promote the region and entice visitors. It also requires interacting with tourists in their various activities like diving, golf and tennis.

Gayford also brings a two-for-the-price-of-one deal. Should he get the job, his stunning singer/songwriter girlfriend Hollie Smith will be packing her bikini and going too. "She can write her next album there," Clarke said. Now what tourist wouldn't want to hear the sultry lulls of Smith serenading them at night?

So, if you're like me and you're keen for our man Clarke to beat the Aussies and get the job, then all you have to do is vote for him at www.islandreef.com/clarke

"Even if you don't like me," Clarke said, "then please vote for me as it increases my chances of moving to Australia for six months and so far, far away from you." Bless.

You can vote once every 24 hours. "The obvious personal benefits aside," Clarke said, "it would be wicked to represent the Kiwi flag to a massive international audience and it would be wicked to have youse fullas support, eh." Get voting.

Rachel Glucina

Pictured above: Clarke Gayford and Hollie Smith. Photo / Norrie Montgomery