972 pounds-an-hour Australian island job for the adventurous at heart

London: Hamilton Island: a little piece of paradise. The position requires "minimum effort" and involves "relaxed" duties such as feeding turtles, watching whales, and picking up the island's post.

Applicants require no academic qualifications, but must possess good swimming skills and a love of snorkelling, scuba diving and other water sports.

A passion for the great outdoors and the ability to speak English was also said to be an advantage.

Candidates will also have to demonstrate an "adventurous attitude". The successful applicant will live rent-free in the lap of luxury on Hamilton Island, dubbed the 'jewel in the crown' of the Whitsunday Islands off the Queensland coast.

The six-month contract comes with a salary package of A$150,000 (£70,000), including free return flights, transfers, expenses and transport around the island.

It equates to £972 per hour based on a 'flexi-time' schedule of a 12-hour working month.

The Queensland Tourist Board says it is an ideal opportunity for Brits to swap the "rat race" and the cold winter for a more relaxed life Down Under.