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
