Destination Spotlight: Hervey Bay, QLD

Destination Spotlight: Hervey Bay, QLD

  • June 25, 2025

Known for its calm waters, relaxed lifestyle, and proximity to world-famous natural wonders, Hervey Bay is one of Queensland’s most appealing regional coastal cities. With a growing population and increasing demand for healthcare services, it’s a fantastic location for GPs seeking professional opportunity, community connection, and a coastal lifestyle that’s hard to beat.

Hervey Bay is home to a range of modern general practices and healthcare facilities and is highly accessible for vocationally registered GPs, doctors within their moratorium, and International Medical Graduates (IMGs) entering on recognised training pathways.

Hervey Bay snapshot:

Situated along the Fraser Coast, Hervey Bay has a population of approximately 64,000, with steady growth as more families and retirees move to the area for its lifestyle benefits and affordability. It’s part of the broader Fraser Coast Region, which includes nearby Maryborough and smaller townships, bringing the total regional population to over 120,000.

Health care and social assistance is the largest employment sector in the region, followed by retail, education, construction, and tourism. With a strong focus on community wellbeing, Hervey Bay offers a supportive and collaborative environment for GPs.

Like the gateway to K'gari (formerly Fraser Island), Hervey Bay is also internationally renowned for its whale watching season, drawing tourists and to its tranquil shores.

Health system and education:

The city is served by Hervey Bay Hospital, a public hospital that offers a broad range of services including emergency, general medicine, maternity, and surgery. It operates alongside St Stephen’s Hospital, a private facility known for its use of advanced digital systems and quality patient care.

There are numerous general practices, both independent and corporate across the city and nearby areas. Many offer team-based care models, nursing support, allied health services, and opportunities for mentoring and supervision.

Educationally, Hervey Bay is well-equipped with public and private schools, TAFE campuses, and a University of Sunshine Coast campus, making it ideal for families and professionals looking to grow roots in the region.

Living in Hervey Bay:

Offering a warm, subtropical climate and a relaxed pace of life, Hervey Bay is a dream location for anyone who loves the outdoors. You’ll find kilometres of sandy beaches, bike paths along the Esplanade, local cafés, and friendly neighbourhoods with real community spirit.

With an affordable housing market, minimal traffic, and plenty of local events and markets, it’s a perfect lifestyle destination for professionals and families alike.

Eligibility for GPs:

Hervey Bay is classified as a Distribution Priority Area (DPA) and MMM2, making it eligible for:

  • VR GPs restricted by the moratorium
  • IMGs via the RACGP PEP Specialist Stream
  • Doctors training via AGPT, FSP pathways

Many practices are also accredited for supervision, making it an ideal location for GPs early in their career or those seeking to mentor others.

Nearby areas worth exploring:

Surrounding communities such as Maryborough, Howard, and Burrum Heads also offer great opportunities in smaller, supportive townships, often with additional incentives under rural training programs.

GP opportunities in Hervey Bay:

DXC Medical has assisted GPs from across Australia and overseas in securing roles in Hervey Bay, including:

  • GPs relocating from metro areas for a sea change
  • IMGs starting their Australian GP journey in a well-supported environment
  • Doctors seeking flexible hours and work-life balance in a coastal community

Ready to make the move to Hervey Bay?

Explore our vacancy map and current GP job opportunities in Hervey Bay and surrounding areas.

Contact our Queensland recruitment team to discover your next role and how we can support your relocation.

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

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

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