QUEENSLAND, Australia - Thousands of people have applied for what's being called the "best job in the world" -- an opportunity to earn $100,000 while living in paradise.

During the current economic crisis, there is no shortage of people who are looking for their next employment opportunity. Now, one lucky job seeker will have the chance to explore the islands of the Great Barrier Reef and write about the experience.

The requirements to be considered are simple: the applicant must know how to swim and speak English.

"The job in effect is writing a weekly blog, doing video updates, getting out there and enjoying what a wonderful destination it is and reporting back to the rest of the world," said Jane Nicholson, regional director of Tourism Queensland.

More than 35,000 people have sent in their 60-second video pitch for the dream job. The one requirement -- be creative.

The videos were unique and in some cases, a little bit wacky. One video featured a half-naked applicant who does a forward flip in snorkel gear over a picnic table into a snow bank. Another showed a woman trying to climb into an aquarium in a snorkel and fins.

The job also includes a free place to stay and reportedly amounts to only 12 hours of real work a week. The only downside is that recent news headlines have reported torrential rains have hit Queensland recently and crocodiles have been swept onto the streets. 

Speaking of crocodiles, tourist officials in Queensland say they hope the 'Best Job' campaign might have the same impact as the popular movie "Crocodile Dundee" which created a huge increase in Australian tourism.

A short list of 50 finalists has been chosen. Eleven of those finalists will be flown to Queensland in May to show what they can really do before one lucky person lands the job.

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