Why Australia's Climate is Perfect for GPs relocating from the UK
For General Practitioners (GPs) in the UK considering an international move, relocating to Australia as a GP presents an exceptional opportunity to combine professional fulfilment with an enviable climate.
Australia’s weather is one of its greatest assets—offering sunshine, warmth, and outdoor living that contrasts sharply with the UK’s colder, greyer conditions.
The country’s varied climates across different regions provide options to suit every preference, whether you favour tropical warmth, Mediterranean mildness, or cooler mountain air.
For many doctors, moving to Australia as a GP is as much about improving lifestyle and wellbeing as it is about advancing their medical career.
Life as a GP in Australia’s Eastern States
The eastern states—New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland—are home to some of the nation’s most desirable climates and thriving healthcare communities.
In New South Wales, major cities such as Sydney, Newcastle, and Wollongong offer world-class hospitals, research institutions, and coastal lifestyles that attract healthcare professionals from across Australia and abroad. In Queensland, vibrant urban centres like Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Cairns combine tropical and subtropical climates with growing medical networks, creating ideal environments for both career development and quality of life.
| Region | Major Cities | Climate Type | Average Temp (°C) | Annual Sunshine Hours | Key Lifestyle Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
New South Wales |
Sydney, Newcastle |
Temperate Coastal |
16–26 |
2,600 |
Mild winters, vibrant coastal living |
|
Queensland |
Brisbane, Gold Coast, Cairns |
Subtropical–Tropical |
20–30 |
2,800–3,200 |
Warm all year, outdoor lifestyle, beach culture |
Relocate to Australia as a GP: Southern Lifestyle and Climate
Southern Australia—including Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania—offers a cooler yet still temperate climate, ideal for GPs who prefer seasonal variation.
In Victoria, the capital Melbourne stands out as a cultural and medical hub, supported by regional centres such as Geelong, Ballarat, and Bendigo, all offering strong healthcare infrastructure and community-focused practice opportunities.
South Australia is anchored by Adelaide, a city known for its balanced lifestyle, affordable living, and well-established health services, with regional towns like Mount Gambier and Port Lincoln providing diverse practice settings. Across Tasmania, cities such as Hobart, Launceston, and Devonport combine natural beauty with supportive healthcare networks.
| Region | Major Cities | Climate Type | Average Temp (°C) | Annual Sunshine Hours | Key Lifestyle Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Victoria |
Melbourne, Geelong |
Oceanic |
10–25 |
2,200 |
Distinct seasons, cultural capital, strong healthcare infrastructure |
|
South Australia |
Adelaide |
Mediterranean |
12–28 |
2,700 |
Low humidity, relaxed pace of life |
|
Tasmania |
Hobart, Launceston |
Cool Temperate |
7–22 |
2,000 |
Clean air, natural beauty, family-friendly |
Relocate to Australia as a GP: Western and Northern Opportunities
For GPs seeking adventure and warmer climates, Western Australia and the Northern Territory provide unique professional and personal experiences.
In Western Australia, the capital Perth offers a thriving healthcare sector supported by modern hospitals and research facilities, while regional centres such as Bunbury, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, and Broome present opportunities to serve diverse and close-knit communities across vast and scenic landscapes.
In the Northern Territory, cities like Darwin and Alice Springs combine tropical and desert environments with rich cultural experiences and rewarding medical practice, particularly in Indigenous health and remote medicine.
These regions appeal to GPs looking to make a real impact while enjoying an adventurous lifestyle amid Australia’s most dramatic natural settings.
| Region | Major Cities | Climate Type | Average Temp (°C) | Annual Sunshine Hours | Key Lifestyle Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Western Australia |
Perth, Bunbury |
Mediterranean to Arid |
17–31 |
3,200 |
Consistent sunshine, coastal living, high GP demand |
|
Northern Territory |
Darwin, Alice Springs |
Tropical/Desert |
25–35 |
3,400 |
Warm year-round, strong community healthcare focus |
Final Thoughts
Life as a GP in Australia: Climate, Career, and Lifestyle Combined
Ultimately, GP relocation to Australia offers more than a change of scenery—it’s a chance to achieve balance, wellbeing, and professional satisfaction in a country that values both healthcare and lifestyle.
With its diverse climates, thriving cities, and high demand for skilled practitioners, Australia provides the perfect environment for doctors looking to build rewarding careers under sunnier skies.
Want to learn more about relocating to Australia as a GP?
If you’re ready to explore your options, visit our GP Jobs in Australia page to view live vacancies and learn how Prospect Health can guide you through every stage of your relocation journey — from licensing to lifestyle.
Ready to Explore Your Options as a GP in Australia?
If you’re considering relocating to Australia — or even just curious about what’s possible — our expert consultants at Prospect Health can guide you through every step of the process, from job matching and visas to relocation logistics.
Get in touch with Ese today, call him on 020 8434 2677 or email him at [email protected] to discuss current opportunities and start your journey towards a GP career in Australia.
View all our GP Jobs in Australia
Next Up: GP Jobs in Australia: What the GP lifestyle and work-life balance really looks like
Thinking about relocating to Australia as a GP? One of the biggest draws for doctors making the move is the country’s reputation for incredible work-life balance, a career where you can truly enjoy your time both in and out of practice. But is it really as good as it sounds?
We spoke with a GP currently living and working in Australia to find out what life is really like for doctors Down Under, and it turns out, the reality is even better than expected.
Talk to a specialist
ESE OSADOLOR
Specialist Recruitment Consultant
Hi there, my name is Ese Osadolor, and I work as an International Specialist Recruitment Consultant here at Prospect Health.
I have the pleasure of helping GPs who are looking to move to Australia for work. I myself have lived in Australia for 10 years. I moved there when I was 11 with my family. We lived in the Gold Coast city located in Queensland, known for sunny months of the year with beautiful beaches and tourist destinations…