Top Rural & Remote Locations for Locum GPs in Australia

Thinking about locum GP work in Australia? This guide takes you state by state through the most rewarding rural, regional, and Indigenous Health locations. Find the perfect balance between career growth, cultural experiences, and adventure.

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Queensland – Rainforests, Islands & Coastal Living

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Mossman Gorge

• Work at an Aboriginal Medical Service surrounded by the stunning Daintree Rainforest, where locum GPs can gain experience in rural and Indigenous healthcare while contributing to a close-knit community.
• Take part in cultural walks after clinic hours to learn about traditional practices and local history while forging meaningful connections.
• Unwind in natural swimming holes or explore scenic rainforest trails, striking the perfect balance between a rewarding career and a relaxed pace of life.

Hervey Bay

• Join a coastal Aboriginal Health Service delivering primary care and preventive health programs, providing diverse clinical experiences for locum doctors.
• Spend your downtime whale watching in Australia’s most renowned location or explore the stunning Fraser Island and Hervey Bay beaches nearby.
• Support community healthcare while enjoying a relaxed coastal lifestyle with endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and leisure activities.

Gladstone

• Experience a broad scope of regional GP work in a thriving coastal city, offering both General Practice and Indigenous Health services opportunities.
• On weekends, explore the Southern Great Barrier Reef with snorkeling, diving, and island-hopping adventures just a short trip away.
• Enjoy the best of both worlds with professional variety and easy access to Queensland’s natural wonders for a rewarding locum experience.

Mornington Island

• Take on remote locum GP roles in an Indigenous Health Service with strong cultural ties, providing essential care in a truly unique setting.
• Immerse yourself in authentic island life with fishing, boating, and community festivals that offer a taste of local culture and traditions.
• Gain experience in rural and Indigenous healthcare while enjoying a lifestyle unlike anywhere else in Australia.

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New South Wales – Mountains, Rivers & Coastlines

Blue Mountains

• Work surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery with fresh alpine air and a variety of rural healthcare experiences in a supportive environment.
• Hike to waterfalls, enjoy panoramic views from the iconic Three Sisters, and explore local walking trails after clinic hours.
• Deliver healthcare services in one of Australia’s most scenic and adventurous regions.

Grafton

• Join a charming riverside town famous for its Jacaranda trees, festivals, and boating culture, offering plenty of activities outside of work.
• Work with a close-knit Aboriginal Health Service delivering primary care and community health programs to local families.
• Spend weekends fishing, kayaking, or enjoying regional markets and events.

Bateman’s Bay

• Combine coastal living with meaningful rural GP work in a friendly regional community that values its healthcare providers.
• Explore pristine beaches, kayak along quiet estuaries, or sample fresh seafood dining after a fulfilling day in the clinic.
• Balance professional responsibilities with the laid-back lifestyle of a seaside town.

Broken Hill

• Take on locum GP roles in the heart of Australia’s outback, experiencing a unique combination of rural medicine and cultural history.
• Discover local art galleries, desert landscapes, and the region’s rich mining heritage during your time off.
• Deliver essential healthcare services across a wide-ranging and varied caseload.

Byron Bay

• Experience the relaxed lifestyle of Australia’s most famous coastal town while providing much-needed healthcare services to the local community.
• Surf world-class breaks, attend yoga retreats, or explore vibrant local markets between your clinic shifts.
• Join a supportive healthcare network in one of the country’s most iconic destinations.

Snowy Mountains

• Work in Australia’s alpine region, with skiing and snowboarding in winter and hiking, fishing, and mountain biking in summer.
• Deliver rural healthcare in a setting that offers year-round adventure and outdoor activities for locum GPs.
• Experience a unique combination of career development and lifestyle benefits in alpine surroundings.

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Victoria – Rivers, Forests & Southern Shores

Swan Hill

• Take on locum GP opportunities in a thriving rural community along the Murray River, known for its welcoming atmosphere and regional culture.
• Spend time boating, fishing, or visiting Swan Hill’s Pioneer Settlement for a glimpse into the area’s rich history.
• Deliver essential healthcare services in a regional town that values its medical professionals.

Orbost

• Experience rural locum GP work surrounded by rivers, forests, and the stunning natural beauty of East Gippsland.
• Explore nearby Snowy River National Park and Croajingolong National Park on weekends for hiking and camping adventures.
• Work with a supportive healthcare team dedicated to improving health outcomes for this regional town.

Portland

• Combine coastal locum GP work with opportunities to explore Victoria’s rugged southwest coastline and maritime history.
• Spend your free time whale watching, fishing, or hiking along the Great South West Walk.
• Deliver rural healthcare in a vibrant port city that blends culture, history, and natural beauty.

Western Australia – Outback Meets Ocean

Esperance

• Work in a coastal town known for its turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and laid-back lifestyle.
• Spend downtime swimming, surfing, or visiting Cape Le Grand National Park, famous for kangaroos lounging on the beach.
• Provide primary care and preventive health services in a welcoming regional healthcare setting.

Karratha

• Experience rural GP locum opportunities in one of WA’s key mining hubs, offering a mix of industrial and community healthcare.
• Explore Karijini National Park with its gorges, waterfalls, and hiking trails just a few hours away.
• Deliver healthcare to a diverse population while enjoying stunning Pilbara sunsets and outback scenery.

Port Hedland

• Take on remote locum GP work in a busy northern WA port town that blends coastal living with an outback lifestyle.
• Enjoy fishing, boating, and local cultural festivals in your free time.
• Support Indigenous and regional health services in a unique and dynamic community.

South Australia – Wildlife & Outback Wonders

Port Lincoln

• Join a coastal town known as the “Seafood Capital of Australia”, offering fresh seafood, ocean activities, and a welcoming community.
• Swim with sea lions, go shark cage diving, or relax on pristine beaches after your clinic shifts.
• Provide essential healthcare services in a regional hub with strong support networks.

Port Augusta

• Experience locum GP work at the gateway to the Flinders Ranges, combining outback adventure with healthcare delivery.
• Spend weekends exploring rugged mountain ranges, national parks, and Aboriginal cultural sites.
• Gain valuable experience in a diverse regional healthcare environment.

Coober Pedy

• Work in Australia’s iconic opal mining capital, known for its underground homes, quirky art, and desert landscapes.
• Take on remote locum GP opportunities delivering care to isolated communities in the outback.
• Experience a one-of-a-kind lifestyle while supporting essential healthcare services.

Kangaroo Island

• Enjoy locum GP work in a wildlife haven with pristine beaches, national parks, and close-knit communities.
• Spot kangaroos, koalas, and seals while exploring the island’s natural attractions in your free time.
• Provide healthcare services to a small but welcoming regional population.

Northern Territory – Culture & Remote Landscapes

Tiwi Islands

• Deliver essential healthcare services in a culturally rich Indigenous community north of Darwin.
• Experience traditional art, fishing, and island life while building strong connections with the local community.
• Gain exposure to rural medicine and Indigenous health programs in a remote setting.

Jabiru

• Work in the heart of Kakadu National Park, surrounded by wetlands, rock art, and incredible biodiversity.
• Spend weekends hiking, birdwatching, or taking river cruises through stunning natural landscapes.
• Support primary care services in one of Australia’s most unique environments.

Arnhem Land

• Experience one of Australia’s most culturally significant and remote regions while delivering community-focused healthcare.
• Learn from Yolngu culture, enjoy pristine coastlines, and explore untouched wilderness in your free time.
• Partner with Indigenous Health Organizations dedicated to improving healthcare outcomes.

Darwin

• Take advantage of locum GP opportunities in the Northern Territory’s tropical capital with access to both urban and remote communities.
• Enjoy waterfront dining, local markets, and nearby attractions like Litchfield National Park after clinic hours.
• Work across diverse healthcare settings supporting a wide range of patient needs.

Tasmania – Wilderness, Highlands & Coastlines

Smithton

• Deliver healthcare in Tasmania’s far northwest, known for its dairy farms, rugged coastlines, and friendly communities.
• Explore nearby Tarkine Rainforest, take scenic coastal drives, or enjoy fishing on your days off.
• Experience a relaxed rural lifestyle while contributing to local healthcare services.

Burnie

• Join a regional healthcare setting in a coastal city surrounded by beaches, hills, and cultural attractions.
• Visit local markets, explore art galleries, and enjoy the town’s picturesque foreshore after work.
• Gain exposure to a broad scope of clinical practice in a supportive environment.

St Helens

• Work in a close-knit coastal community with access to the world-famous Bay of Fires and stunning white-sand beaches.
• Spend weekends boating, fishing, or hiking along Tasmania’s pristine east coast.
• Deliver rural healthcare while enjoying a relaxed, scenic lifestyle.

St Mary’s

• Take on locum GP opportunities in Tasmania’s highlands surrounded by mountains, forests, and waterfalls.
• Spend your free time bushwalking, birdwatching, or exploring the natural beauty of the Fingal Valley.
• Provide healthcare services in a peaceful rural setting with strong community ties.

FAQs About Locum GP Work in Australia

1. What does a locum GP earn in Australia?
Locum GP rates typically range from $1,200 - $2,000 per day + GST, depending on location, experience, and demand.

2. How long are locum GP contracts?
Contracts vary from 1 - 2 weeks to several months, offering flexibility for lifestyle and career planning.

3. Do I need special registration for rural GP work?
Yes, a current AHPRA registration is required, and you’ll typically need to be a specialist with the RACGP or ACRRM. In some cases, additional training in rural health or Indigenous health may also be necessary.

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Looking for locum GP opportunities across Australia? Whether short-term or long-term, we connect you with rural, remote, and regional healthcare roles tailored to your career and lifestyle goals!

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