Why GPs Are Choosing the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria

At Transition Medical, we’ve helped hundreds of GPs relocate across Australia and New Zealand , and while the cities often get the spotlight, it’s often the slightly less obvious places that offer the best balance of lifestyle, location and community.

One of our firm favourites? The Mornington Peninsula, a beautiful stretch of coastline and hinterland that combines the charm of bayside living with surprising proximity to Melbourne’s CBD. From suburbs like Seaford, it’s just a 45-minute drive into the city, making it one of the few DPA-approved regions that offers genuine commuter access without compromising on environment, safety or schools.

Location without compromise

This part of Victoria offers something many relocating GPs are seeking, a relaxed, family-friendly lifestyle without being removed from major centres. While the western growth corridors around Werribee and Melton are often promoted due to easier DPA access, the DPA boundary on the eastern side starts just south of Seaford, opening the door to beautiful, well-established suburbs that are closer to the CBD than many expect.

Once you’re past Seaford and into the Peninsula proper, the scenery shifts,  think wineries, clifftop homes, olive groves and walking trails, yet you’re still comfortably within reach of Melbourne when needed. Suburbs like Mount Eliza, Mornington and Mount Martha offer a safe, affluent and picturesque setting, with strong local infrastructure and consistent GP demand. For many doctors and their families, it’s this combination of professional opportunity and lifestyle upside that stands out.

Culture, schools and community

The Peninsula has long appealed to professionals, families and retirees,  especially those moving from Melbourne seeking a better balance. There’s a wide choice of schools (both public and private), including highly regarded options in Mornington and Mount Eliza, as well as childcare, healthcare and recreation facilities.

The area also supports a growing cultural scene, with weekend markets, boutique art galleries, family-run wineries and outstanding local produce. Community life is active and welcoming, and many towns on the Peninsula offer strong connections through sports clubs, surf lifesaving, and local festivals. It’s the kind of environment where patients know their GPs, and families tend to settle for the long haul.

What’s life really like as a GP here?

Practices across the Peninsula vary widely, from longstanding family-run clinics to larger modern medical centres with nursing and allied health teams. GPs who live locally often comment on the manageable patient load, supportive work environment, and ease of integrating into the community. For those relocating with families, the daily rhythm is often far more sustainable than what they’re used to in busier urban areas.

Lifestyle-wise, the Peninsula offers easy access to walking tracks, beaches, parks and wine country, all on your doorstep. From lunch breaks overlooking the bay to weekend trips through Point Nepean National Park or the Peninsula Hot Springs, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy your time off. And with many suburbs just 45–60 minutes from central Melbourne, GPs can comfortably combine city and coastal living.

Not far away — just better balanced

For GPs moving from the UK or Europe, this part of Victoria often captures what they hoped Australia would offer, a warmer, more outdoors-oriented life with good schools, a strong healthcare system, and easy access to both city and sea. The Peninsula isn’t a compromise, it’s a more balanced version of urban living, where commutes are shorter, weekends are calmer, and the natural surroundings do more of the heavy lifting when it comes to wellbeing.

So whether you’re paddle boarding before clinic, grabbing a coffee in Mornington, or catching the train into Melbourne for a Friday meeting, the Mornington Peninsula offers a lifestyle that’s both connected and quietly aspirational, and still fully accessible under current DPA rules.

Local highlights worth exploring

One of the perks of living and working on the Mornington Peninsula is having some of Victoria’s most scenic and relaxing spots right on your doorstep. Whether it’s a quiet walk after clinic or a weekend outing with family, the area offers plenty to explore:

– Peninsula Hot Springs – A must-visit geothermal bathing retreat in Fingal, ideal for unwinding after a long day.
– Mount Martha Beach – Crystal-clear waters, colourful bathing boxes, and calm swimming conditions.
– Arthurs Seat Eagle – A gondola ride offering sweeping views across the bay and hinterland, perfect for kids and visitors.
– Point Nepean National Park – Coastal hikes, historic forts and panoramic views at the tip of the Peninsula.
– Red Hill wineries – Over 50 cellar doors and vineyard restaurants scattered through rolling countryside.
– Sorrento village – A heritage-rich seaside town with boutique shops, bakeries and cafes.
– Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve – Dramatic cliff walks and one of the best coastal photo spots in the region.
– Mornington Racecourse Market – A vibrant local market held monthly with food trucks, handmade goods and music.

Living here means these kinds of places aren’t something you need to book a trip for — they become part of your weekly rhythm. Whether you’re active and outdoorsy or prefer a lazy brunch with a sea breeze, the Peninsula offers the kind of lifestyle that many imagine when they first picture Australia.

Closing

If you hadn’t considered the Peninsula before, it’s well worth adding to your shortlist. We’ve helped GPs relocate to practices all over the region , rom Seaford down to Sorrento  and the feedback is almost always the same: “We wish we’d moved sooner.”

If you’d like to know what’s currently available or want to explore options in the area, feel free to get in touch.

Further Reading

Australian GP Salary Calculator

What GPs Can Prepare Before Speaking To A Recruiter

Living in Adelaide as a GP

As part of our ongoing  City Spotlight series, we’re taking a closer look each week at what life is really like for GPs living and working in different Australian cities. While Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth often dominate the conversation, this week we’re focusing on Adelaide  a city that continues to stand out for GPs seeking affordability, balance, and long-term sustainability.

At Transition Medical, we’ve supported GPs relocating to Australia and New Zealand for over a decade. Increasingly, we’re seeing doctors choose Adelaide over larger cities, drawn by its smaller size, lower cost of living, and strong professional opportunities.

A Smaller City That’s Easier to Live In

Adelaide is Australia’s fifth-largest city, and for many GPs, that’s exactly its appeal.

Compared to Melbourne or Perth, Adelaide offers a compact, easy-to-navigate layout. Commute times are shorter, traffic is lighter, and daily life feels less rushed. Many GPs live within 20–40 minutes of their practice and the city centre — a significant lifestyle advantage.

For doctors relocating from the UK or Europe, Adelaide often feels familiar: vibrant yet manageable, offering city amenities without big-city pressure.

Lower Cost of Living Than Melbourne or Perth

Affordability is one of Adelaide’s strongest selling points.

Housing costs in Adelaide remain considerably lower than in Melbourne or Perth, whether renting or buying. This allows GPs to access family-friendly suburbs, larger homes, or coastal living without the financial strain seen in other major cities.

Everyday expenses such as groceries, childcare, dining out, and parking are also generally cheaper, meaning GP incomes often stretch further — particularly important during the early stages of relocation.

Shorter Commutes, Better Work–Life Balance

Adelaide’s size directly contributes to improved work–life balance.

Shorter commuting times mean more time for:

• Family and personal commitments

• Outdoor activities

• Rest and recovery after work

For many GPs, this shift is transformative. Being able to finish work and still enjoy the beach, exercise, or dinner with family is a major reason Adelaide consistently appeals to relocating doctors.

Lifestyle Without the Big-City Price Tag

Despite being smaller, Adelaide delivers an exceptional lifestyle.

The city is surrounded by:

• Beautiful beaches

• World-class wine regions

• Hills, walking trails, and parklands

Cultural festivals, cafés, and dining are easily accessible — without the congestion found in larger cities. Combined with Adelaide’s Mediterranean climate, this makes year-round outdoor living a reality.

When comparing Adelaide vs Melbourne or Perth, many GPs find Adelaide offers the same lifestyle benefits — without the cost or crowding.

Strong Demand for GPs in South Australia

From a professional perspective, GP jobs in Adelaide remain in strong demand.

Many practices offer:

• Competitive earning potential

• Flexible working arrangements

• Well-supported clinical environments

• Mixed or bulk billing models

• Long-term career opportunities

Because Adelaide is less saturated than Melbourne, GPs often find it easier to secure roles that align with their clinical interests, preferred hours, and lifestyle goals.

A Family-Friendly City for Long-Term Living

Adelaide is widely regarded as one of Australia’s most family-friendly cities.

Key benefits include:

• More affordable housing in good school catchments

• Access to quality public and private education

• Safer, community-focused suburbs

• Less pressure on childcare availability

For GPs planning a long-term move, these factors make Adelaide a compelling choice.

Explore GP Jobs in Adelaide

If you’re considering a move to Australia, explore our current GP jobs in Adelaide or arrange a confidential conversation with our team to discuss your options.

👉 View current GP opportunities in Adelaide
👉 Speak to our GP relocation specialists

Preparing for Your First Conversation with Transition Medical

For many GPs, the idea of working in Australia or New Zealand doesn’t arrive suddenly. It tends to build gradually over time, shaped by workload, family conversations, changing priorities, and often a growing sense that general practice in the UK and across Europe is becoming harder to sustain in the way it once was.

Transition Medical was established over a decade ago with a clear focus on supporting UK and European GPs exploring opportunities in Australia and New Zealand. Over that time, we’ve helped hundreds of doctors at different stages of their careers, many of whom we remain in contact with years after their initial move. A significant number of our GP clients are now settled long-term, running busy clinics, developing specialist interests, and still very much part of our professional network.

We regularly spend time in Australia and New Zealand visiting practices and local communities, meaning our advice is grounded in real clinics, real locations, and lived GP experiences rather than theory alone. Our first meeting is about understanding you properly and offering informed, practical guidance shaped by what we’ve seen work well over many years.

To help make that initial conversation as useful as possible, we often share the prompts below in advance. They highlight areas we’ve found helpful for GPs to reflect on before a first discussion, to provoke your own thoughts and questions.

What’s really motivating you to explore a move?

This is often the most important starting point. For many GPs, the decision to explore working overseas is closely linked to growing frustrations with the way healthcare systems, particularly the NHS, have evolved and continue to change. Increasing workload, administrative pressure, and concerns around long-term sustainability commonly sit alongside a desire for better work–life balance, greater professional autonomy, clearer income structures, or improved quality of life for family.

Have you thought about timescales?

GPs approach us at very different stages, from early curiosity through to actively planning a move. Some are exploring options over the next year or two, while others are working around notice periods, training completion, or family commitments. You don’t need a fixed date in mind, but having a broad sense of timing can be helpful.

Location: where might work for you and why?

Australia and New Zealand offer an extraordinary range of lifestyles, climates, and practice settings. Some GPs have a specific location in mind, while others are open to multiple regions once they understand the differences. Factors such as proximity to cities, coastal versus regional living, schooling, and lifestyle priorities all play a role.

What would your ideal practice look like?

The variety of practice models available overseas often surprises UK and European GPs. Differences in clinic size, team structure, support levels, billing models, and flexibility can all have a significant impact on day-to-day working life.

What kind of support would you value?

Having helped UK and European GPs relocate for over a decade, we know that the right support can make the process far clearer. Many doctors value guidance through registration, visa advice, honest insight into practices, and continuity through a named contact.

Ready to talk?

If you feel you’d value a discussion, we’d be delighted to speak with you. To arrange an initial conversation, please get in touch and one of our experienced team will be in contact to arrange a time that suits you.

 

Further Reading

Visual Timeline for moving to Australia as a GP

What are the costs involved in relocating to NZ

 

What happens after you sign a GP contract in Australia—and how long it takes

Relocating to Australia involves  some careful time planning and scheduling;  understanding what overlaps and when, makes a significant difference to how quickly you can start work. Below is a simple visual-style timeline showing the core regulatory and visa steps only, based on typical post‑contract timeframes for GPs.

 

Important note: Timeframes vary depending on individual circumstances, regulator workloads, and visa choice. This is a realistic guide, not a guarantee.

The Big Picture

From contract signed to Medicare ready, the process typically takes 18-24  weeks when steps are run in parallel.

The biggest time savings come from starting verification and preparation tasks immediately after contract agreement, rather than waiting for each stage to finish.

Step 1. EPIC / MyIntealth Primary Source Verification (≈2 weeks)
Verification of medical qualifications and identity
Mandatory for AHPRA registration

Starts immediately after contract signing and runs alongside the AHPRA application.

Step 2. AHPRA Registration (≈6–8 weeks processing)
Assessment of qualifications and training

While AHPRA is processing, visa preparation can begin.

Step 3. Visa Preparation (runs during AHPRA)
Gathering supporting documentation
These steps are completed while AHPRA is being finalised, so the visa can be lodged promptly once registration is granted.

Step 4. Visa Application (≈6–8 weeks)
Lodged after AHPRA registration is approved

Step 5. Medicare Provider Number (≈4 weeks)
Application for a Medicare provider number
Apply after visa approval

Waiting for each step to finish before starting the next can add months to the process. Starting verification and preparation tasks immediately after contract signing is the key reason many GPs are able to relocate and commence work within a few months.

This guide reflects typical post‑contract timelines and is intended as general information only. Individual requirements and processing times may vary.

Further Reading

Special interests that will help you thrive in Australian general practice

GP Salary in Australia for 2026

Why Tasmania Deserves a Spot on Every GP’s Australia Shortlist

At Transition Medical, we’re always talking to GPs who are considering a move to Australia  and one thing never fails to surprise us. Even though Tasmania is one of our personal favourite destinations down under, fewer than 5 % of the doctors we work with from the UK and Europe ever seriously consider it as a place to relocate, which frankly feels like one of life’s great injustices.

So, to gently correct the record, we’re launching a new weekly blog series that shines a spotlight on the different states and regions across Australia. Each week, we’ll take a closer look at what makes these places special, both as places to live and places to practise as a GP.

For our first instalment, it feels only right to start with Tasmania,  a little island at the bottom of the map that offers a lifestyle and professional environment many GPs find absolutely magical.

Tasmania: Manageable, Magical and Family-Friendly

Tasmania punches well above its weight when it comes to quality of life. From spectacular natural scenery and pristine wilderness to welcoming, close-knit communities, it delivers an enviable balance between career and lifestyle that’s hard to find elsewhere. Hobart, the state capital, combines rich colonial history with a vibrant arts and food scene against the backdrop of the River Derwent and Mount Wellington — a setting that feels both relaxed and rewarding.

GP opportunities here often include excellent remuneration, strong patient demand, and a supportive team environment — all without the commuter stress or cost of living pressures found in larger mainland cities. Often, GPs tell us they find themselves with more time for family, hobbies and exploring the unique Tasmanian lifestyle.

Why This Blog Series Matters

We know that choosing where to relocate, let alone making the move itself,  is one of the biggest decisions a GP can make. And yet, when it comes to exploring options in Australia, it’s easy to fall into a familiar pattern: Sydney, Melbourne, Queensland, Perth. All fantastic places…but they aren’t the only places worth considering.

Our aim with this series is to do two things:

1. Highlight places that quietly offer exceptional lifestyles for families and GPs alike.

2. Help you make confident, informed decisions about where you might want to build your future.

If you’re planning a move to Australia and want somewhere that feels magical, manageable and genuinely family-friendly, Tasmania deserves a place firmly on your shortlist.

Want to explore more?

If you’re curious about how GP life can vary across Australia, you might also like our other insight posts:

• 4 Special interests that will help you strive in Australian General Practice  – a practical look at how your skills can help you stand out to practices.

• Australians GP Salary: How Much Can You Earn in 2026?  a breakdown of income expectations and lifestyle considerations.

• Australia’s GP Shortage: Patient Numbers — why demand for skilled GPs is strong across the country.

Stay tuned for next week’s spotlight!  We’ll be turning our attention to another part of this incredible country!

Our top 4 most requested Special Interests for GP considering working in Australia

We are often asked “What are practices actually looking for, and how can I stand out?”

While Australia has a strong demand for General Practitioners across the board, certain special interests are particularly sought after. GPs who bring additional skills or focused experience often find it easier to secure roles, negotiate attractive packages, and build rewarding long-term careers.

Below, we explore four special interests that are consistently in demand across Australian general practice.

1. Skin Cancer Medicine

Why it’s sought after

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, driven by climate, lifestyle, and UV exposure. As a result, skin checks, early detection, and treatment are a core part of everyday general practice.

Practices value GPs who are confident in:

• Full skin checks
• Dermoscopy
• Early diagnosis of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers

Even basic experience or a strong interest can make you highly attractive, particularly in coastal and regional areas.

How it helps you stand out

GPs with skin skills can:

• Build high-demand clinics quickly
• Increase billings through procedural work
• Offer services that reduce referral pressure on secondary care

Many practices actively support further training in skin cancer medicine once you arrive.

2. Minor Surgery

Why it’s sought after

Minor procedures are an essential part of comprehensive primary care, yet not all GPs are comfortable performing them. Practices therefore highly value doctors who can confidently undertake:

• Excisions and biopsies
• Suturing and wound management
• Lesion removals
• Abscess drainage

These services improve patient access and reduce hospital referrals.

How it helps you stand out

GPs with minor surgery experience:

• Are immediately valuable to practices
• Generate strong procedural income
• Help practices offer a broader scope of care

Even basic procedural confidence can significantly strengthen your profile.

3. Women’s Health

Why it’s sought after

Women’s health is a major driver of GP demand across Australia. Many patients actively seek GPs with an interest in:

• Contraception and family planning
• Cervical screening
• Menopause management
• Antenatal and postnatal care

With increasing emphasis on preventative care and continuity, practices are keen to build strong women’s health services.

How it helps you stand out

GPs with women’s health interests often:

• Develop loyal, long-term patient bases
• Complement multidisciplinary practice teams
• Attract strong word-of-mouth referrals

This interest is particularly attractive in community-focused and family-oriented practices.

4. Chronic Disease Management

Why it’s sought after

Australia has an ageing population and rising rates of chronic illness, including:

• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• Respiratory conditions
• Mental health conditions

General practice is central to managing these long-term conditions, and practices need GPs who are confident, organised, and patient-focused.

How it helps you stand out

GPs skilled in chronic disease management:

• Provide continuity of care that practices value highly
• Work closely with nurses and allied health teams
• Support government-funded care plans and reviews

This skill set aligns perfectly with Australia’s primary care model.

What This Means for GPs Considering Australia

You don’t need to be a sub specialist to succeed in Australian general practice. What practices are really looking for are GPs who can add depth, flexibility, and long-term value to their teams.

If you have experience or interest in any of the areas above, it’s important to:

• Highlight this clearly on your CV
• Discuss it confidently during interviews
• Be open to further training and development

With our support, we can help you position your experience clearly, match you with the right practices, and support you every step of the way.

Thinking about working in Australia and want tailored advice? Speak to our GP recruitment team today.

Read More

Transitioning to General Practice in Australia

Benefits of Working as a GP Down Under

A Balanced Perspective – With a Twist

When GPs consider working in Australia, the appeal is obvious, but sensible concerns often follow. Distance, lifestyle changes, and professional differences all deserve consideration.

In the interest of balance, here are five reasons why working as a GP in Australia might not be for you — alongside the context that frequently changes the conversation.

1. You’ll Be a Long Way from Home

Australia is, undeniably, a long way from the UK or Europe. For many GPs, this is the biggest psychological barrier. And it’s a valid one. Living on the other side of the world means:

• Missing family and friends

• Fewer spontaneous visits home

• Careful planning around holidays and major events

That said, modern connectivity, generous annual leave, and flexible contracts make regular trips home entirely achievable. And for those concerned about distance, Western Australia — particularly Perth — is several hours closer to the UK than the east coast, making travel slightly easier while still offering the full Australian lifestyle.

2. It’s a Big Move

Relocating internationally isn’t a small decision. There are visas, registration requirements, logistics, schools, housing, and a fair amount of form-filling along the way.

On the other hand, most GPs are surprised by how structured and supported the process actually is — particularly with professional guidance. Once registration and visas are in place, the day-to-day reality of working as a GP in Australia is often less complex than what many doctors are used to in the UK.

3. The Cost of Living Is Higher

It’s true that cities such as Sydney and Melbourne come with higher living costs.

However, this is generally offset by:

• Significantly higher GP earnings

• Fee-for-service income structures

• Strong patient demand

In practice, many GPs find they have greater disposable income and a higher overall standard of living — which can undermine the original concern rather quickly.

4. The Spiders Are Big!

Australia’s wildlife has a reputation.

Yes, there are spiders. Yes, there are snakes. And yes, they are occasionally larger than anything you’ve seen in the UK.

What’s less often mentioned is that:

• Most Australians go about their lives without daily wildlife encounters

• Urban and suburban living is very normal

• You are statistically far more likely to see a GP than be harmed by a spider!

For most people, the “wildlife issue” quickly becomes a running joke rather than a genuine concern.

5. The Work–Life Balance Is Noticeably Better

Perhaps the most significant drawback is the improved balance between professional and personal life.

Australian GPs often report feeling:

• Valued within their communities

• Supported by practice structures

• More in control of their working patterns

Once experienced, this can make returning to a more pressured system feel unnecessary rather than inevitable.

The reality is that for many UK GPs, working in Australia offers a compelling combination of professional satisfaction, financial reward, and lifestyle benefits — alongside a few genuine considerations that deserve honest discussion, such as distance from home and cost of living.

For some, those factors will be decisive. For others, the opportunity to work fewer hours, earn more, and enjoy a better work–life balance makes the move well worth considering — whether on the east coast or a little closer to home in Perth.

As with any major career decision, it’s about finding the right fit. Our role is simply to help you explore the options, with clarity, realism, and no pressure.

You may also like

GP Salary Australia: How Much Can You Earn in 2026 

Why you should work in NZ as a GP