Destination Spotlight: Gladstone, QLD

Located along the Capricorn Coast in Central Queensland, Gladstone is a regional city that’s often overlooked but is quickly gaining popularity with GPs seeking a rewarding and relaxed lifestyle. Known for its natural beauty, strong local economy, and family-friendly atmosphere, Gladstone offers a high quality of life with access to both professional opportunity and adventure.

Whether you're a VR GP looking for flexibility and better work-life balance, or an IMG seeking your first Australian role, Gladstone has a lot to offer, with practice options, lifestyle benefits, and relocation incentives making it a standout destination.

Gladstone at a glance

• Population: 68,000+ in the greater Gladstone region
• A major Queensland port city with a strong industrial and resources sector
• Major industries: Energy and resources, healthcare, construction, education
• Health Care and Social Assistance is the city’s largest and fastest-growing employment sector
  
  

GP career opportunities in Gladstone

Gladstone’s growing population and limited GP supply have created strong and steady demand across the region. The city and its surrounding suburbs offer a mix of established general practices, from independent family clinics to larger group settings, with excellent support and flexible working conditions.

Practice types: Mix of private and mixed billing clinics
Support for GPs: Full nursing teams, administration support, mentoring opportunities
Demand: Consistently high patient numbers, including opportunities to develop special interests

A lifestyle without the hustle

Living in Gladstone means enjoying the freedom of a coastal lifestyle without the traffic, crowds or high costs of bigger cities. It’s a region well-known for its warm climate, outdoor lifestyle, and proximity to the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

• Affordable property market, ideal for families or first-home buyers
• Short commutes with minimal congestion
• Excellent public and private schooling options
• Access to Heron Island, Lake Awoonga, and national parks
• A strong sense of community and a safe environment for raising children
• Local churches and places of worship play a key role in community life and support networks. You can find a list of local Churches, Temples and Mosques here.
  
  

Education & healthcare infrastructure

• Gladstone Hospital: Public hospital providing general services, supported by referral pathways to Rockhampton
• Primary care network: Well-established practices and a proactive PHN offering support to GPs and clinics
• Education: Over 15 public and private schools, plus a local CQUniversity campus
  
  

Eligibility & training pathways

Gladstone and its surrounding suburbs meet several eligibility criteria for doctors across different pathways, including:

• Vocationally Registered (VR) GPs
• GPs subject to 19AB (moratorium)
• IMGs on the RACGP PEP Specialist Stream
• Doctors training via AGPT, FSP, ACRRM IP, or RVTS

Most practices in the region are located in DPA and MMM2–MMM4 areas, offering access to incentives and relocation support through state and federal workforce programs.

Surrounding areas worth exploring

If you're seeking even more space or a rural practice setting, nearby towns such as Tannum Sands, Calliope, Agnes Water, and Boyne Island offer peaceful alternatives with strong community support and high patient demand.

These areas are ideal for:

• Doctors seeking rural bonding incentives
• GPs looking for a quieter lifestyle with rewarding clinical work
• Families wanting access to nature and relaxed living

GP roles we’ve supported in Gladstone include:

• VR GPs relocating from metro areas for lifestyle and income balance
• IMGs entering the workforce via RACGP PEP or ACRRM pathways
• GPs seeking flexible rosters, part-time hours, or long-term DPA locations
  
  

Thinking about a move to Central Queensland?

With year-round sunshine, strong earning potential, and a warm, welcoming community, Gladstone could be just the change you're looking for.

Explore current GP job opportunities in Gladstone via our interactive map.

Contact our Queensland Recruitment Specialists today to discuss your options and learn how we can support your move.

Brad Bilinsky
Senior Consultant
+61 428 392 777
brad.bilinsky@dxcmedical.com.au

Daniel Vinogradac
Senior Consultant
+61 401 529 803
daniel.vinogradac@dxcmedical.com.au