Following his eventful arrival to Airlie Beach on Monday, Ben Southall hosted a welcome party at Airlie Beach YHA on Tuesday night where he welcomed local and international media, travel writers and Tourism Industry representatives.

Ben thanked them for their support as he paddles his way up the Queensland Coast for his "Best Expedition in the World" where he hopes to share the magnificent natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef region.

Local businesses Fish D'Vine and The Downunder Bar catered for the evening serving up a selection of local dishes and beverages as Ben mingled. He recounted tales of his epic journey so far which is hoped to further highlight the region and drive more visitors in what has been challenging times.

On Wednesday Ben is taking travel blogger "Tim the Traveller" out with on the water, Ocean Rafting. Ben is scheduled to visit eight of the Whitsunday Islands before departing in a fortnight, on another long stretch of his four month, 1600km adventure.