Rockhampton, affectionately known as “Rocky” is a major regional centre in Central Queensland offering an exciting mix of professional opportunity and relaxed, riverside living. With strong community ties, affordable housing, and close proximity to both coast and outback, it’s an increasingly attractive destination for GPs looking to make a meaningful impact in regional healthcare.
Rockhampton and its surrounding areas are home to a wide range of medical centres, hospitals, and healthcare services, making it an ideal location for vocationally registered GPs, doctors subject to the moratorium, International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and those pursuing fellowship through GP training pathways.
Located on the Fitzroy River and just 40km from the Capricorn Coast, Rockhampton is home to approximately 83,000 residents, serving as a key service centre for Central Queensland. It’s a city where rural charm meets urban convenience, with a growing population, expanding health sector, and welcoming community.
Health care and social assistance is the largest employer in Rockhampton, followed by education, construction and agriculture. With a mix of public and private schooling options, and a campus of Central Queensland University (CQU), it’s an ideal location for professionals with families.
The city is a hub for road, rail and air travel in the region, and offers all the amenities you'd expect from a major regional centre, including shopping precincts, cafés, sports facilities and cultural venues, without the high costs of capital city living.
Rockhampton is anchored by the Rockhampton Hospital, a major public referral hospital with over 300 beds and a wide range of specialist and surgical services. The city also supports a number of private practices and medical centres, from large multidisciplinary clinics to small, family-run GP surgeries.
Healthcare professionals here benefit from strong referral pathways, opportunities to work closely with specialists, and a supportive professional community. GPs are in high demand, particularly in surrounding suburbs and semi-rural areas.
Rockhampton is also a key education centre, with public and private schools, technical colleges, and the CQU Rockhampton North campus, which offers health, nursing, and medical science programs.
With the Fitzroy River running through the city and Mount Archer National Park rising to the east, Rockhampton is surrounded by natural beauty. The city’s historic architecture and tree-lined streets add to its charm, while the Capricorn Coast and Great Keppel Island are just a short drive away for weekend getaways.
Rockhampton enjoys a warm, tropical climate, and is known as the “Beef Capital of Australia,” offering excellent dining options and a strong local economy built on agriculture, mining, and education.
Housing is significantly more affordable than in metropolitan areas, and the slower pace of life is ideal for families or professionals looking to escape the hustle of the big cities.
Rockhampton is classified as a Distribution Priority Area (DPA) and MMM2, making it eligible for:
There are also excellent opportunities for doctors interested in rural medicine, procedural skills, and supervision roles.
Neighbouring communities such as Gracemere, Yeppoon, and Emu Park offer even more GP opportunities, with the bonus of coastal or semi-rural living within a short commute of the city.
DXC Medical has helped doctors transition into fulfilling roles in Rockhampton and surrounding regions. These include:
Browse our current GP vacancies in Rockhampton and Queensland and via our interactive map.
Get in touch with our QLD recruitment team for personalised advise.
Daniel Vinogradac
Senior Consultant
QLD Office
+61 401 529 803
daniel.vinogradac@dxcmedical.com.au
Hobart and its surrounding suburbs are home to a range of general practices, both corporate and independent, offering career opportunities for vocationally registered GPs, those under moratorium, and International Medical Graduates (IMGs) on training pathways.
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.
