Want an over-the-top Down Under job?

— -- Inspired by a staggering economy, frigid winter weather or old-fashioned wanderlust, hundreds of Americans have applied for what Australian tourism promoters are calling the best job in the world: a six-month, $105,000 stint as caretaker and weekly blogger on Hamilton Island on the Great Barrier Reef.

Among the position's perks: a three-bedroom house with pool and golf cart, round-trip airfare to Australia, and duties that include a willingness to "swim, snorkel, (and) make friends with locals."

Tourism Queensland says more than 1 million visitors have checked out islandreefjob.com since its launch this week. Application deadline is Feb. 22.

Many others, frustrated by a server crash that left the site temporarily unavailable, complained to Australian embassies and newspapers when they couldn't get through.

Eleven finalists, including one from North America, will be flown to Hamilton Island for final interviews this spring; the winner starts "work" July 1.