Discovering Australia: A Spotlight on the Illawarra Shoalhaven

Established in 2008, Head Medical has been placing Healthcare Professionals in new positions worldwide, and Australia continues to be one of the top locations to choose from.

In this upcoming blog series, we will highlight various exciting Australian locations that we are currently recruiting for. First up…the Illawarra Shoalhaven Region!

Where is the Illawarra Shoalhaven Region?

Illawarra Shoalhaven is a coastal region located southeast of New South Wales; Illawarra is approximately 1 hour south of Sydney. The area includes the four main government districts: Wollongong, Shellharbour, and Kiama which borders Shoalhaven to the South.

Working in the Illawarra Shoalhaven

We are working with the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District and private GP practices to source talented Healthcare Professionals for opportunities within the region. You can see our current vacancies by following the links below.

Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District

The Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISHLD) currently has 7 hospitals located within the region. More than $700 million has been invested by the Australian Government in delivering new and improved health facilities for ISHLD and we are delighted to be an approved supplier for doctors, nurses, and Allied Health Professionals. We currently have opportunities for Consultant Specialists and Junior/Middle-Grade doctors.

Living in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Region

Lifestyle

The region is a hugely popular place for expats to relocate to, with a variety of areas to live in. From bustling cities to peaceful small towns, there are over 100 locations to choose from. The region has an ideal balance of vibrant town centres and picturesque coastlines. When you’re not at work, you can easily access some of the best beaches in Australia and you’re never too far away from experiencing the bustling urban life of Sydney.

Wollongong, located just 80 kilometres from Sydney, is the largest city in the region. A diverse city with many places to visit, eat and shop with excellent night markets and a fantastic music scene. The proximity to the ocean gives you the choice for a lively weekend full of things to do and see. Shellharbour is a picturesque city with beautiful beaches to the east and rainforest to the west. Kiama is the smallest town in the area where you can enjoy a slower pace of life, a very popular choice for families to move to.

Shoalhaven, located 2 hours from Sydney and 1 hour from Wollongong, is surrounded by beautiful beaches and majestic mountains and over 49 small coastal towns to choose from.

Last year, Head Medical’s specialist recruiters Vicki McLaren and Briony Wilson visited clients and candidates in New South Wales. Here’s what they had to say about the area when they visited…

"During our trip in May 2023, a doctor advised us to drive the coastal road to Sydney from Thirroul, it was an amazing experience with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and stunning coastal landscapes.

We followed Lawrence Hargrave Drive, which winds along the coastline, offering panoramic views of the azure waters below and the lush greenery of the surrounding cliffs. The drive takes you through the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge, that hugs the coastline. I would say it’s a must-do for anyone lucky to live near the New South Wales coast.

We saw some of the most amazing homes on the drive from traditional colonial and art deco to modern glass-fronted properties that could feature on Grand Designs. The warmer climate means that the majority of properties have functional outdoor areas; verandas, balconies, large windows and doors to let in the light, gardens, pools, BBQ and outside areas where you can eat and relax."

Cost of living

The cost of living in the area is generally lower than in Sydney with property being almost 40% cheaper to purchase. Food, transport, and entertainment are also considerably cheaper. You can have a look at available properties here

Education and Schooling

The prestigious University of Wollongong is ranked in the top 250 universities worldwide. There are a variety of options available for school-age children, including fee and non-fee paid schools.

Thank you for reading the first in our Discover Australia blog series. If you are a doctor looking for opportunities in the Illawarra Shoalhaven, you can find our latest vacancies below or email info@headmedical.com or call 0131 226 2200 for further info.

Current Vacancies

Consultant Jobs

Consultant Anaesthetist

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Psychiatrist

Adult Community or Inpatient Psychiatrist

GP Jobs

GP – North Wollongong

GP Wollongong

GP – 45 mins to Sydney

GP Wollongong

Junior Doctor Jobs

Aged Care (CT/IMT/SAS) - Wollongong