7 Essential Travel Nursing Destinations this Christmas
Caring for others, at its core, is what Christmas is about. Similarly, all healthcare professionals live by this ethos, caring for others through their work every day. Unfortunately, just because it’s Christmas doesn’t mean people stop being ill and injured. This is particularly true for those living in Australia’s regional, rural, and remote towns who will continue to need quality healthcare throughout the holiday season.
When travel nursing you can get the best of both worlds by immersing yourself in a new community all while doing what you do best. There are some simply stunning and culturally impressive locations to discover. Here’s our list of the 7 Must-Visit Travel Nursing Destinations to visit this Christmas
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Gladstone, QLD
Summer and Queensland are like two peas in a pod. If you wanted to be by the beach then you’re really spoilt for choice here. The city is a destination in on itself but you’ll be stoked to hear that there’s plenty of short trips you can do from here. One such trip is out to Heron Island in the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
If you wanted to take things a little slower there’s a plethora of local flavours you can sample while in town. There is also plenty to do due west of Gladstone with several national parks waiting to be explored. Kroombit Tops National Park is just a couple hours out and boasts a drastic change of scenery. Here you’ll find exotic wildlife, sandstone escarpments, gorges, creeks, and waterfalls
Bunbury, WA
The City of Three Waters in Western Australia’s South-West region is the third most populous town in the state after Perth and Mandurah. The hospital has 103 inpatient beds consisting of six wards – surgical, acute psychiatric unit, medical, maternity, paediatrics and a high dependency unit.
While here on placement you’ll never be stuck for things to do. Aside from being only two hours from the state capital, Bunbury also has the luxury of being flanked by the iconic towns of Busselton, Dunsborough, Margaret River which are all within arm’s reach. If you’ve not heard of them think award winning wineries, great food, and breathtaking sights, Bunbury truly is the beating heart of the South-West.
Alice Springs, NT
For an outback experience Alice Springs is your answer as it is very much the indigenous cultural epicenter of Australia. Alice Springs is the unofficial capital of the outback and is famous for its desert landscape and lifestyle so, in other words, when you think of travel nursing you think of Alice Springs. If you’ve never been to Alice it’s a must see and with the town being nestled between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges it’s a natural wonderland.
The friendly people who call Alice home need your help, Alice Springs is peppered with facilities, both aged care and the hospital, whom are needing relief over the Christmas period. When working in Alice Springs, and many other placements, your travel is covered thanks to the Free National Travel with Rural and Remote scheme.
Whyalla, SA
The gateway to the Eyre Peninsula, Whyalla, is one of South Australia’s best kept secrets. It’s a coastal town surrounded by sparkling beaches and white sands so there’s plenty of prime real estate for you to relax by. Even better, there’s plenty of boutique shopping and mouthwatering dining options to keep you busy during your time here. The town is renowned for its congregation of cuttlefish; however, that won’t be in swing quite yet. This is actually a blessing of sorts your visit will be dodging the big crowds all while still seeing the sights the town is famous for.
The award winning Whyalla Jetty’s a true highlight and a must visit. When dropping by ensure you take a stroll up and down it’s unique circular design which stretches 315m long.
Burnie, TAS
You could argue the best time to visit the Apple Isle is in Summer. Christmas is prime time because it’s warm and dry. If you haven’t heard of Burnie before it’s in Tassie’s North-West, situated just under a couple hours from Launceston. If you’re getting to Burnie from the mainland your two options are to fly via Melbourne or alternatively you can take your car on the ferry and drive your way.
The North West Regional Hospital plays an important role in servicing the North Western region of Tasmania. If you wanted to soak dramatic landscapes and reside amidst nature while travel nursing then here is where you ought to be. There’s adventure to be had at every turn. In moderate proximity to Burnie are: Cradle Mountain, the Tasmanian World Heritage Wilderness Area, the Nut, and Little Penguin Observation Centre – and that’s not to mention the beauty that waits just outside your door every day.
Remote Locations (NT/WA/QLD)
Something you may not have thought of when it comes to Christmas is giving the care communities across the NT, WA, QLD, and beyond. Travel nursing is about more than seeing the sights, it’s also about learning and discovering the unexpected. The type of care given here is holistic and takes into consideration the practices and tradition of the particular indigenous culture.
It’s often said that you’re better of hearing from those who’ve experienced it firsthand. You can read about the experiences HCA nurses have had working remote as well as some literature we’ve put together on the bespoke New to Remote pathway that we offer.
