Top 5 Hidden Australian Locations for UK Locums Seeking Adventure & Career Growth

Thinking about taking your healthcare career to Australia? While Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane dominate the conversation, some of the best locum opportunities (and highest earnings) are in lesser-known regional locations.

For doctors, nurses, radiographers, physiotherapists, and other healthcare professionals, regional Australia offers:

• Higher pay rates than major cities – Earn 20-50% more in rural and remote locations.
• A fresh work-life balance – Swap NHS burnout for sunshine, beaches, and adventure.
• Diverse medical experience – Work in outback medicine, Indigenous health, and tropical disease settings.

Here are five underrated destinations you should consider for your next Australian locum role.

1. Darwin, Northern Territory – The Gateway to the Top End

Why Work Here?

• Earn more – Remote incentives mean higher locum rates than in Australian cities.
• Expand your clinical experience – Work in Indigenous health, tropical medicine, and trauma cases.
• Sunshine year-round – Enjoy a tropical lifestyle with warm weather even in winter.

Beyond Work

• Explore Litchfield National Park’s waterfalls and rock pools.
• Visit the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Markets.
• Take a weekend trip to Kakadu National Park, home to ancient Aboriginal rock art and diverse wildlife.

Earning potential: Locum rates 20-50% higher than metro areas due to workforce shortages.

Hobart, Tasmania – Australia’s Best-Kept Secret

Why Work Here?

• Perfect for UK healthcare workers – A relaxed, community-driven city with a low cost of living.
• Career variety – Work across major hospitals, rural clinics, and rehabilitation centres.
• Foodie paradise – Fresh seafood, award-winning distilleries, and world-class wineries.

Beyond Work

• Hike Cradle Mountain and explore Freycinet National Park.
• Visit the world-famous MONA Museum for contemporary art.
• Try Tasmania’s famous oysters, cheeses, and whisky.

Earning potential: Competitive locum rates, with added regional relocation incentives.

Alice Springs, Northern Territory – Red Centre Adventure

Why Work Here?

• Work in rural and Indigenous healthcare – Experience true outback medicine.
• Unique clinical cases – From rural trauma to tropical diseases, this is a once-in-a-lifetime career experience.
• Strong locum demand – Expect higher pay and additional travel/accommodation perks.

Beyond Work

• See the breathtaking Uluru sunrise.
• Trek Kings Canyon and experience the Olgas rock formations.
• Join the famous Desert Festival showcasing Indigenous culture and music.

Earning potential: High locum demand means better salaries and benefits for regional placements.

Broome, Western Australia – Where the Outback Meets the Ocean

Why Work Here?

• Work-life balance paradise – Laid-back coastal vibes, warm weather, and beachfront living.
• High locum demand means better pay – Regional Western Australia often faces staff shortages, leading to higher wages.
• Multicultural community – A rich blend of Aboriginal, Asian, and European culture.

Beyond Work

• Ride camels along Cable Beach at sunset.
• Explore The Kimberley’s natural wonders, including Horizontal Falls and Mitchell Plateau.
• Learn about Broome’s historic pearling industry.

Earning potential: Higher hourly rates than most metro Australian hospitals.

Cairns & Far North Queensland – Work Where Others Holiday

Why Work Here?

• Tropical climate and adventure hub – Work near the Great Barrier Reef.
• Diverse career opportunities – Hospitals, community clinics, and Indigenous health services.
• Relaxed lifestyle – Escape the fast-paced UK healthcare system.

Beyond Work

• Dive into the Great Barrier Reef.
• Explore the ancient Daintree Rainforest.
• Take the Kuranda Scenic Railway through lush mountains and waterfalls.

Earning potential: Competitive locum rates plus tax benefits for regional healthcare workers.

Why UK Healthcare Workers Should Consider Regional Australia

• Higher Pay and Benefits – Locums in remote and regional areas earn 20-50% more than city-based roles.
• Global Experience – Gain new skills in rural and Indigenous health while broadening your career prospects.
• Better Work-Life Balance – Enjoy shorter shifts, better rosters, and more free time to explore Australia.
• Easy Transition for UK Professionals – UK-trained healthcare workers are highly valued in Australia.

Find Your Ideal Locum Role in Australia with Globe Healthcare

At Globe Healthcare, we specialise in placing UK healthcare professionals in rewarding locum roles across Australia. From high-paying regional placements to once-in-a-lifetime travel opportunities, we help doctors, nurses, radiographers, physiotherapists, and more make the move.