Travel Nursing in Australia involves short-term contracts, typically ranging from two to twelve weeks, across regional, rural and remote communities experiencing staffing shortages. Nurses work in hospitals, multipurpose health services, Aboriginal health services and community facilities, often gaining exposure to a wide range of clinical settings.

These roles may offer higher pay rates, accommodation and travel allowances, and the opportunity to explore different parts of Australia while building valuable clinical experience. Healthcare Australia supports Travel Nurses nationwide, connecting clinicians with placements that match their skills, preferences and availability, while providing onboarding, compliance support and ongoing assistance throughout each placement.

You can apply for Travel Nurse roles at Healthcare Australia by registering online and submitting your resume and required compliance documents. Once your application is reviewed and you are compliant, HCA matches you with travel nursing placements across hospitals, community health services and remote locations throughout Australia.

You can view current opportunities and apply by clicking the ‘register for jobs’ button.

To work as a Travel Nurse in Australia, you must hold current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), have relevant recent clinical experience, and meet mandatory training and compliance requirements.

In addition to national registration standards, Travel Nursing roles often have provider-specific criteria. At Healthcare Australia, eligibility may include a minimum amount of recent clinical experience within Australia and, in some cases, prior experience working in regional or rural settings. Requirements can vary depending on specialty, location and workforce needs.

HCA’s recruitment team will assess your experience and guide you through the specific requirements needed for Travel Nursing placements.

Travel nurse contracts usually run for 2–12 weeks depending on demand and location. HCA offers flexible options so you can choose placements that suit your lifestyle and availability.

Travel nurses are needed in ICU, ED, mental health, theatre, paediatrics, aged care, midwifery and remote area nursing. HCA places clinicians across all major specialties.

Many HCA placements include travel and accommodation support, especially in remote and high-demand regions. Your consultant will confirm eligibility for your chosen contract.

Pay varies based on specialty, experience and location. At HCA, Travel Nurse pay typically ranges from $90 to $160+ per hour, depending on the placement location, role requirements and level of experience. The More Miles, More Money incentive program applies across all locations, with higher rates still commonly offered for rural and remote contracts.

Agency nursing provides casual shifts, mostly in metropolitan areas. Travel nursing focuses on contracted work in rural and regional communities and often includes travel and accommodation support. HCA offers both options.

HCA provides full onboarding, compliance support, travel and accommodation (where eligible), 24/7 assistance and access to programs like New to Remote for rural and remote preparation.

Becoming eligible for Travel Nursing in Australia typically involves holding current AHPRA registration, having relevant recent clinical experience, and meeting mandatory compliance requirements. Some roles may also require experience in regional, rural or high-acuity settings, depending on the location and specialty.

For nurses who are new to rural or remote practice, Healthcare Australia offers additional support through programs such as HCA’s New to Remote Program. This program helps clinicians build confidence for remote placements through tailored onboarding, clinical preparation and ongoing guidance from experienced remote specialists.

HCA’s recruitment team will assess your experience and help identify the right pathway to Travel Nursing roles.

Yes. Travel nurses can discuss pay, contract length, location and allowances before accepting a placement. HCA maintains transparent communication throughout the process.

To verify whether a travel nursing agency is reputable, look for clear accreditation, transparent recruitment and compliance processes, strong clinical governance, and consistent positive feedback from clinicians. Established agencies should have a long-standing presence in the healthcare sector, national coverage, and clearly documented support structures for their workforce.

Healthcare Australia is Australia’s largest diversified healthcare provider, with over 50 years of experience recruiting and placing healthcare professionals across the country. Our national footprint, strong hospital and health service partnerships, and dedicated clinical and recruitment teams ensure travel nurses are supported with safe placements, clear communication and professional oversight at every stage.

Allowances and stipends for Travel Nurses vary by agency and are influenced by several factors, including the state or territory, remoteness of the location, specialty, and contract type. Rural and remote placements often attract additional incentives such as travel reimbursement, accommodation support, meals or regional loading.

Healthcare Australia provides a clear breakdown of all pay, allowances and entitlements before you accept a placement, so you understand exactly what is included and can make an informed decision before committing.