Western Australia.

Western Australia offers doctors an extraordinary combination of career opportunities, sunshine, space and outdoor living. Perth provides a modern coastal city with a strong healthcare sector, while a vast network of regional and rural communities offers very different professional and lifestyle experiences.

Why work in Western Australia?

Western Australia has opportunities across general practice, hospital medicine and specialist care, from major metropolitan services in Perth to regional and rural healthcare across the state's enormous geographic area. Doctors looking for a strong career combined with outdoor living, space and a different pace of life may find WA particularly appealing.

Working in healthcare.

Western Australia's healthcare system includes major metropolitan hospitals and health services in Perth alongside a large regional and rural network. Doctors working outside Perth may find opportunities for broader clinical practice and closer relationships with the communities they serve.

Lifestyle.

Western Australia is known for its spectacular coastline, warm climate and outdoor lifestyle. Perth combines city living with easy access to beaches and nature, while further afield are wine regions, forests, coastal communities and vast inland landscapes. The state's size also means there is considerable variety in how and where you can live.

Cost of living.

Western Australia's cost of living varies considerably between Perth and the state's regional centres. Perth's median weekly rent reached around $740 for houses and $695 for units in the March 2026 quarter, with rents rising particularly strongly during the quarter.

Rental supply is also very tight in many parts of WA. In August 2026, REIWA recorded a vacancy rate of just 1.9% in Perth, with several regional centres below 2%, including Albany, Bunbury and Geraldton.

Regional and remote locations can offer a different housing proposition, but distance is an important consideration. Longer journeys, vehicle costs and travel between communities can add to household expenses, particularly for families living outside Perth.

A typical Perth house price: $1.18 million (median house price, June 2026). Rental and house prices change regularly, so we recommend checking current local listings when comparing locations.

Where to live and work.

Perth • Fremantle • Bunbury • Busselton • Albany • Geraldton • Kalgoorlie-Boulder • Broome

Rural & regional medicine.

Western Australia has a substantial network of regional, rural and remote communities where doctors play a vital role in delivering healthcare. These settings can offer broad clinical experience, strong community involvement and opportunities for doctors who are interested in practising beyond the major metropolitan centres.

Frequently asked questions.

What medical opportunities are available in Western Australia?

Western Australia offers opportunities ranging from metropolitan Perth to major regional centres and some of Australia's most remote communities. Doctors can work across hospital medicine, general practice, emergency care and rural generalist settings, with the scale of the state creating particularly varied career options.

Can I work outside Perth?

Yes. Regional and remote medicine is a major part of healthcare in Western Australia. Opportunities are available in communities across the South West, Great Southern, Mid West, Pilbara, Goldfields and Kimberley, as well as other regional areas.

What is life like for doctors in regional WA?

Regional Western Australia can offer a very different experience from Perth. Coastal communities, regional cities and remote locations each have their own character, while living outside the metropolitan area can provide greater access to outdoor activities and closer connections with local communities.

What should I consider when choosing where to live in WA?

Distance is an important consideration in Western Australia. Travel between communities can be substantial, particularly in remote areas, so think carefully about access to airports, schools, shopping, healthcare and other services. Your preferred lifestyle may also influence whether a coastal, regional or remote location is the best fit.

Are there rural and remote medical opportunities in Western Australia?

Yes. WA Country Health Service supports medical careers across regional and remote Western Australia. Roles can offer exposure to rural generalist medicine, emergency care and community-based practice, with some locations also providing opportunities for outreach and remote Aboriginal health work.

Can DocHop help me choose the right location in Western Australia?

Yes. We can help you understand the differences between Perth, regional WA and more remote opportunities, including the practical realities of travel and lifestyle. We can then look at roles that match your clinical experience and preferred environment.

There are no current opportunities listed in Western Australia.

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