Pinkish blue sunrise over Townsville

With the Great Barrier Reef right on your doorstep, it comes as no surprise that living in Townsville is attractive for those seeking an affordable seachange. 

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 goods news is that building a life in Townsville is well within reach – but 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 Townsville, with the medical sector being the city’s second largest employer. 

Contrary to popular belief, it’s actually Townsville – and not Cairns – that is the largest city in North Queensland. In fact, it’s actually Queensland’s fourth largest metropolitan region behind Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Experts say that the population of Townsville will reach 198, 826 by the end of June 2021. 

Looking back on the data of the last eight years, the growth rate has been both strong and consistent, with 1200 to 2000 people moving to the region each year. Increasing job opportunities, affordable housing, infrastructure investment and domestic tourism have worked wonders in regards to putting Townsville on the map in recent years – but why would you want to live there?

Five Things To Know About Living In Townsville

With an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, it’s no wonder that the Townsville lifestyle is all about the great outdoors. While being home to one of Australia’s key military bases and being a hub for FIFO mining workers, the population of the city is the perfect mix of young professionals, families and retirees chasing warmer weather. 

Situated almost directly in between the northern hubs of Mackay and Cairns, in recent years Townsville has truly begun to shake off the unfair “bogan” stereotype. Popular attractions include the famously long stretch of beach known as “The Strand”, nearby Magnetic Island, the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium dubbed “Reef HQ”,and Castle Hill, which was originally known as Cootharinga and is now a popular place for hikes in the region. 

Inner city high-density development has also encouraged both population growth and gentrification of the central business district in Townsville. Thanks to the release of prime real estate formerly owned by Queensland Rail, one significant contributor to CBD development was the construction of a new rail passenger terminal, and re-siting of the railway workshops. These blocks went on to be redeveloped into residential units, retail projects and a new performing arts centre. The skyline of Townsville’s central business district has undergone some dramatic changes in recent years, with a number of new highrise buildings – both commercial and residential – having been constructed.

While this is great news if you’re entertaining the idea of living in Townsville for work as a doctor or medical professional, what should you know prior to committing to a seachange and heading north to “The ‘Ville”?

You Can Actually Afford It – The median house price in Townsville sits at $335, 000. When comparing this against the same in Brisbane at $485, 000 – this equates to a whopping $150, 000 in savings, meaning more money in your pocket to save or spend.

Prepare For The Heat – If you identify as a sun worshipper and you love the heat, then living in Townsville is a match made in heaven. However, while the thermometer might say that it’s 28 degrees – the humidity levels can make it feel closer to 35. When the season arrives in the Australian summer, this only exacerbates it.

You Better Like NRL – It’s surprising that residents of Brisbane can’t hear the collective roar that escapes Dairy Farmers Stadium each time that the Cowboys play a home game. The National Rugby League is more or less a religion in Townsville, so you’d best get on board. 

World Class Events – Townsville is home to events as diverse as the Townsville 400 V8 Supercar Race, the Australian Festival of Chamber Music and the Magnetic Island Jazz Festival, through to World Championship Bull Riding, the Townsville Cup and Culture Fest.

Day Trips Galore – Living in Townsville means access to many national parks. 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. 

Moving To Townsville As A Medical Professional 

If you’re on the hunt for medical roles in the Townsville region, there’s a chance that you’ll either want to work a little, a lot – or something in between. Townsville 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 Townsville 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.