Destination Spotlight: Sydney, NSW

Sydney is New South Wales’ vibrant capital and Australia’s largest city. Known for its stunning harbour, iconic landmarks, and cosmopolitan lifestyle, it’s also one of the nation’s most in-demand locations for general practitioners (GPs) seeking professional growth and coastal living.

For vocationally registered GPs, International Medical Graduates (IMGs), and doctors still under moratorium, Sydney and its surrounding regions offer a wide range of career opportunities, from busy metropolitan clinics to thriving suburban and regional communities within commuting distance.

Sydney snapshot

With a population of over 5.5 million, Sydney is Australia’s economic and cultural hub, offering world-class amenities, beaches, and lifestyle options. Despite its fast-paced reputation, Sydney remains a city of diverse neighbourhoods, from the relaxed Northern Beaches to the leafy North Shore, bustling Inner West, and growing Western Sydney corridor.

Healthcare is one of NSW’s largest employment sectors, and the demand for GPs remains high across Greater Sydney, particularly in outer suburban and growth regions such as the Hills District, Western Sydney, and the Sutherland Shire.

Beyond the city, regional centres such as the Central Coast, Wollongong, and the Blue Mountains provide a mix of metropolitan convenience and regional lifestyle, all within easy reach of the CBD.

Health system and education

Sydney boasts some of the most advanced healthcare and research facilities in the Southern Hemisphere, including Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, St Vincent’s Hospital, and Westmead Health Precinct, one of Australia’s largest health and education hubs.

The city’s primary care network is extensive, with opportunities across independent family clinics, medical centres, and corporate groups. Many areas offer DPA status, particularly in outer metro and regional zones, providing options for IMGs and doctors under moratorium. You can use the Health Workforce Locator app to check an area’s DPA classification.

NSW is also home to world-leading universities such as the University of Sydney, UNSW, and Western Sydney University, renowned for their medical, nursing, and allied health programs. Families benefit from an excellent range of schooling options, from public and private to international and selective schools.

Living in Sydney

Sydney’s lifestyle is unmatched, offering coastal beauty, cultural diversity, and an active outdoor scene. Whether you’re into beach walks, fine dining, or live music, Sydney has it all.

While housing costs are higher than in other Australian capitals, many GPs find excellent value and lifestyle balance in the outer suburbs or neighbouring regions, with easy access to both city and coast.

Lifestyle highlights include:

• Iconic beaches such as Bondi, Manly, and Cronulla.
• Harbour views, coastal walks, and weekend escapes to the Blue Mountains,  Central Coast or South Coast.
• Year-round outdoor lifestyle with mild winters and warm summers.
• Excellent schools, transport links, and healthcare access.
• Rich cultural diversity, more than 40% of residents were born overseas.

Suburb snapshot

Blacktown (Western Sydney)

• Major growth corridor with high patient demand.
• Strong multicultural community and expanding healthcare facilities.
• Excellent infrastructure and access to major hospitals.

Campbelltown (South-West Sydney)

• DPA-eligible in several suburbs with strong demand for GPs.
• Affordable housing and growing population.
• Excellent links to the new Western Sydney Airport region.

Dee Why (Northern Beaches)

• Coastal suburb with relaxed lifestyle and strong community ties.
• Popular with families and professionals.
• High patient volume and strong private billing opportunities.

Parramatta (Western Sydney)

• Sydney’s “second CBD” with diverse and growing population.
• Central to hospitals, corporate clinics, and medical precincts.
• Excellent transport connections and professional opportunities.

Sutherland Shire (Southern Sydney)

• Beachside and bushland living just 40 minutes from the CBD.
• Family-friendly area with a mix of private and mixed billing practices.
• Ideal for GPs seeking balance between city access and relaxed living.

Central Coast (Regional NSW)

• Just over an hour from Sydney; DPA-eligible in several suburbs.
• Great schools, beaches, and affordable lifestyle.
• Strong demand for GPs across coastal and inland communities.

Surrounding areas worth considering

Just beyond Greater Sydney, regions such as Wollongong and the Blue Mountains, offer rewarding GP opportunities with added benefits such as DPA eligibility, relocation incentives, and lifestyle appeal. These areas combine the best of both worlds, proximity to Sydney with the space and community feel of regional living.

Eligibility for GPs

Sydney and surrounding regions cater to:

• VR GPs seeking permanent or locum opportunities in metro or suburban practices.
• Doctors on the PEP Specialist or Expedited Specialist Pathways, particularly in DPA-eligible suburbs.
• Doctors under moratorium, with opportunities available in outer metro and nearby regional areas.

With ongoing patient demand, modern facilities, and access to top-tier professional networks, Sydney remains one of the most desirable locations for GPs across all stages of their careers.

GP opportunities in Sydney

DXC Medical has supported numerous GPs relocating to Sydney and across NSW, including:

• VR GPs seeking established practices in busy metro and suburban areas.
• IMGs on the PEP Specialist Pathway seeking DPA-approved clinics.
• Doctors interested in teaching, mentoring, or developing procedural skills.

Ready to explore your Sydney options?

Browse our current GP job vacancies in Sydney and across New South Wales via our interactive job map.

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