Destination Spotlight: Brisbane, QLD

Brisbane is Queensland’s vibrant capital, known for its warm climate, riverfront lifestyle, and proximity to some of Australia’s most famous holiday destinations. With strong demand for GPs across metro, suburban, and regional areas, it offers excellent career opportunities alongside a family-friendly lifestyle.

For vocationally registered GPs, International Medical Graduates (IMGs), and moratorium-restricted doctors, Brisbane combines professional growth with relaxed, subtropical living.

Brisbane snapshot

Brisbane has a population of over 2.7 million people, making it Australia’s third-largest city. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, affordability compared with Sydney and Melbourne, and subtropical climate, it’s an increasingly popular choice for doctors and their families.

Healthcare and social assistance is the largest employing sector in Queensland. GP demand is particularly high in outer metro suburbs and surrounding regional centres such as Ipswich, Toowoomba, and the Sunshine and Gold Coasts.

Health system and education

Brisbane is home to major hospitals including the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Princess Alexandra Hospital, and Mater Hospital. Its healthcare system is supported by a growing network of community health centres and GP superclinics.

1. The city also offers excellent education, with leading universities such as the University of Queensland and Griffith University, and a strong mix of public, private, and international schools.

Living in Brisbane

Brisbane combines city convenience with a warm, outdoor lifestyle. Housing is more affordable than in Sydney and Melbourne, making it attractive for families and younger professionals.

Lifestyle highlights include:

• Subtropical climate with mild winters and warm summers.
• Access to world-famous destinations like the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast.
• Thriving dining, café, and arts scenes, including South Bank and Fortitude Valley.
• Outdoor living with abundant parks, cycleways, and riverfront recreation.
• Strong sporting culture, with rugby league, cricket, and AFL all popular.

Suburb snapshot

Ipswich (West of Brisbane)

• Affordable family-friendly suburb just 40 minutes from Brisbane
• Strong population growth and GP demand
• Eligible DPA location with good incentives for IMGs

North Lakes (North of Brisbane)

• Master-planned community with excellent schools and amenities
• Popular with young families and professionals
• High patient demand due to rapid growth

Sunnybank (Southern Suburbs)

• Multicultural hub with a strong community and thriving dining scene
• High patient base, particularly among diverse cultural groups
• Excellent transport and schooling options

Redcliffe Peninsula (North-East of Brisbane)

• Coastal living within 40 minutes of the city
• Attractive lifestyle for families and retirees
• Consistent demand for medical services

Springfield Lakes (South-West of Brisbane)

• One of Australia’s largest master-planned communities
• Rapid growth driving strong demand for GPs
• Family-friendly with new schools, shopping, and infrastructure

Surrounding areas worth considering

Regional centres such as Toowoomba, Caboolture, Gympie, and the Sunshine and Gold Coasts offer excellent GP opportunities. Many of these are DPA locations, providing attractive pathways for IMGs and doctors under moratorium.

Eligibility for GPs

Brisbane offers strong opportunities for VR GPs in metro and suburban areas, while outer metro and regional centres provide DPA locations and attractive incentives. Queensland is also supportive of IMGs through rural and regional placements.

With high patient demand, competitive billings, and lifestyle benefits, Brisbane is a standout option for GPs seeking balance between work and lifestyle.

GP opportunities in Brisbane

DXC Medical has successfully assisted GPs relocating to Brisbane and Queensland, including:

• VR GPs seeking metro and coastal opportunities
• Expedited Specialist Pathway and PEP SP doctors working in DPA locations
• Doctors looking for regional placements with strong lifestyle appeal

Ready to explore your Brisbane options?

Check out our latest GP job vacancies in Brisbane and across Queensland via our interactive map.

Connect with our Brisbane team today for personalised guidance, expert support, and genuine local insight to help you find your ideal GP role.