With crocodiles, stingers, snakes, spiders, insects and even birds that can grow over six feet tall – living in Cairns certainly isn’t for the faint of heart.
Regardless of whether you are a recently qualified doctor or have many years of experience already under your belt, sometimes we all just crave a sea change to spice things up. The good news is that building a life in tropical Cairns is well within reach – but exactly why would you want to?
It’s no secret that Queensland is experiencing an interstate migration boom. The global pandemic has changed the way we work, live and play, and when compared to our southern neighbours, Queenslanders have had it relatively lax in terms of lockdowns and social distancing restrictions. Interestingly, Brisbane’s biggest employer is the healthcare industry, with over 12.5% of the city’s population working within this field. With a wealth of career opportunities, this same demand is spreading further north to Cairns and tropical Far North Queensland, with the medical and healthcare sector being the city’s third largest employer behind tourism and hospitality.
Located almost 1700km north of Brisbane, Cairns feels like another world when compared to it’s southern counterparts. However, as it’s armed with a wealth of natural beauty along with being a cultural melting pot, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that living in Cairns is certainly in hot demand. As Queensland’s fifth largest city, experts say that the population of the Cairns region is set to reach close to 160, 000 by June 2021.
Looking back on the data of the last eight years, the growth rate has been both strong and consistent, with a whopping 800 to 2, 500 people moving to the region each year. An increase in employment opportunities, affordable housing, infrastructure investment and an overall relaxed approach to life have worked wonders in regards to putting the Cairns region on the map in recent years – but is it viable to actually live there?
Four Things To Know About Living In Cairns
Upon arrival to Far North Queensland, it’s not unusual to mistake this tropical corner of Australia for something more or less like Jurassic Park. With expansive rainforests, mountains, creeks, beaches and of course the Great Barrier Reef right on your doorstep, living in Cairns is about far more than staying within the confines of the CBD.
In saying that, the inner hub certainly does still have that feeling of a big country town. Cairns is one of the biggest tourism ports in the nation, so it’s not uncommon to see families and backpackers both strolling the palm tree lined streets and of course cooling off at the famously safe choice for a swim, the Lagoon.
While it’s the perfect destination if you’re a lover of the ocean or great outdoors, Cairns is rapidly developing into a cosmopolitan hub that embraces the local art, dining and nightlife scenes. Although the high rise apartment blocks dominate the skyline at sunset, there’s also plenty of suburbs that hold their own when it comes to showing off their distinct personalities.
With coastal tourist towns like Palm Cove and Port Douglas considered to be “just up the road”, it’s somewhat astonishing that the median price for a two bedroom apartment is still sitting at just $215, 000 in the Greater Cairns region. How long this lasts is anyone’s guess though, with the region sitting firmly in the top ten fastest growing towns in Queensland with an annual population growth of 3.2%.
Needless to say, this is a part of the world where there’s something for everyone – so why would you want to commit to this world famous holiday destination as a permanent resident?
Goodbye Winter – While the humidity levels and “hot rain” in Summer may not be for everyone, it’s undeniable that one of the best parts of living in Cairns is heading to the beach in the middle of July. While many residents would be lucky to own more than one pair of jeans, it’s not surprising considering that the average temperature in the peak of winter is still 27 degrees celsius. If you can put up with the “wet” season, the complete lack of winter is the reward.
Laidback Lifestyle – Leave your heels at home, as going out for a night on the town in Cairns is as simple as putting your “good” thongs (or flip flops) on. Maybe it’s the heat, but life in Far North Queensland is just a little bit slower, a little bit more casual and more often than not – overall, just a little bit easier when compared to the southern states. Call it northern hospitality, but it’s not hard to make a new friend in Cairns every time you step out of your front door.
Cultural Melting Pot – Over one quarter of the population of Cairns have identified with having both of their parents born overseas. With a wide variety of Indigenous Australians, migrants, backpackers and international students that call the area home, the food, customs and cultural practices embraced by the Cairns region are as diverse as the locals. Just one example of how the area’s multiculturalism works is the inner city Night Market.
Heaven For Nature Lovers – Living in Cairns means access to many national parks, including access to both the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the world’s oldest rainforest – the Daintree. While you always need to take care when swimming in North Queensland since it’s definitely classed as croc country, be sure to explore the many waterfalls, creeks, beaches and reefs of the area, and discover the world class flora and fauna for yourself.
Living In Cairns As A Medical Professional
If you’re on the hunt for medical roles in the Cairns region, there’s a chance that you’ll either want to work a little, a lot – or something in between. Cairns based doctor and GP jobs with House Call Doctor offer flexibility, with shifts that fit around your current workload, personal commitments, or even just lifestyle preferences.
Whether you’re looking to travel, increase your earning potential, gain experience, or even just a desire for greater job satisfaction, living in Cairns paired with a career with House Call Doctor could be the just answer that you’ve been looking for.
Are you –
- An Australian or Internationally Trained Medical Graduate
- Have full registration with the Medical Board of Australia
- Have two years post graduate experience, including experience in paediatrics, accident and emergency, general medicine and surgery
If you can answer yes to all of the above, then why not consider registering your interest for our doctor jobs with House Call Doctor today, and be a part of the medical revolution.
