At HCA, we specialise in connecting nurses with exciting opportunities — from rural hospitals to major metro healthcare facilities. If you’ve been thinking about becoming a travel nurse, here’s everything you need to know, from qualifications to travel nurse income expectations and how HCA can support your journey.
With HCA Travel Nurse, you can work in and explore regional, rural and remote communities across Australia. Our team will organise your travel, make sure you have all the information and tips you need before you go, and be at the end of the phone for anything you might need along the way.
We’re always seeking new candidates with 2+ years post-graduate experience who are looking for a new working adventure. Whether you’re considering your first placement outside of the metropolitan area, are new to the program or are a seasoned Travel Nurse, we’d love to hear from you.
What is a travel nurse?
A travel nurse is a registered nurse (RN) or enrolled nurse (EN) who takes on short-term assignments in various healthcare settings across a wide range of Australian communities. These roles usually last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, allowing you to gain diverse clinical experience while enjoying the benefits of a flexible career.
Travel nurses work in:
- Public and private hospitals
- Aged care facilities
- Remote and rural clinics
- Correctional facilities
- Community health services
They play a crucial role in filling staffing shortages and ensuring patients receive high-quality care wherever it’s needed most.
What is a travel nurse?
A travel nurse is a registered nurse (RN) or enrolled nurse (EN) who takes on short-term assignments in various healthcare settings across a wide range of Australian communities. These roles usually last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, allowing you to gain diverse clinical experience while enjoying the benefits of a flexible career.
Travel nurses work in:
- Public and private hospitals
- Aged care facilities
- Remote and rural clinics
- Correctional facilities
- Community health services
They play a crucial role in filling staffing shortages and ensuring patients receive high-quality care wherever it’s needed most.
How do you become a travel nurse in Australia?
If you’re wondering how to become a travel nurse in Australia, the process is straightforward but requires the right qualifications and experience:
Step 1: Meet the qualifications
To work as a travel nurse in Australia, you’ll need:
- A Diploma or Bachelor of Nursing from a recognised institution
- Registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
If you’re an internationally trained nurse, you may need to complete additional registration steps before you can start working in Australia.
Step 2: Gain clinical experience
Most travel nursing agencies require at least 12 to 24 months of clinical experience before placing you in assignments. Certain specialties — like Emergency (ED), Intensive Care (ICU) and Aged Care — are in particularly high demand, so experience in these areas can open up more job opportunities and higher travel nurse wages.
Step 3: Get additional certifications
Beyond your nursing qualifications, some additional certifications can help boost your job prospects and travel nurse compensation. These include:
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification
- Advanced Life Support (ALS) Certification
- Specialty-specific training, such as Neonatal Resuscitation, Trauma Nursing or Mental Health First Aid
Step 4: Apply for travel nursing jobs
The easiest way to find travel nursing opportunities is through a trusted agency like Healthcare Australia. We offer:
- Access to a wide range of travel nursing jobs
- Competitive travel nurse wages and benefits
- Flexible work options in metro, rural and remote areas
- Dedicated support teams to assist with placements, logistics and onboarding
Being open to different locations and shifts can increase your chances of securing great assignments, so flexibility is key.
Rewards, Benefits and Incentives
Feel supported through your placement with HCA's exciting reward and incentive programs. For more info and T&Cs, see the '2025 Rewards Program' page above.
- HCA’s National Rewards Program
- Travel FREE with HCA Travel Nurse
- HCA’s National Education Allowance
- HCA’s National Refer-a-Friend Promotion
- Free Trans-Tasman Travel with HCA Travel Nurse
How much do travel nurses make?
The average travel nurse salary for an RN working an AM shift is $72 per hour. While pay rates can vary depending on factors such as location, experience and specialty, travel nurse income in Australia is generally high due to the demand for skilled professionals. At HCA, pay rates for an RN can go as high as $90 per hour.
The highest-paying cities for travel nurses in Australia include:
- Hoppers Crossing, VIC – $84.22 per hour
- Griffith, NSW – $81.42 per hour
- Brisbane, QLD – $78.27 per hour
- Melbourne, VIC – $76.30 per hour
In addition to competitive travel nurse compensation, nurses may also receive:
- Overtime and penalty rates for nights, weekends and public holidays
- Housing and travel allowances for remote or rural placements
Tax benefits and salary packaging to help maximise take-home pay
How much do travel nurses make?
The average travel nurse salary for an RN working an AM shift is $72 per hour. While pay rates can vary depending on factors such as location, experience and specialty, travel nurse income in Australia is generally high due to the demand for skilled professionals. At HCA, pay rates for an RN can go as high as $90 per hour.
The highest-paying cities for travel nurses in Australia include:
- Hoppers Crossing, VIC – $84.22 per hour
- Griffith, NSW – $81.42 per hour
- Brisbane, QLD – $78.27 per hour
- Melbourne, VIC – $76.30 per hour
In addition to competitive travel nurse compensation, nurses may also receive:
- Overtime and penalty rates for nights, weekends and public holidays
- Housing and travel allowances for remote or rural placements
Tax benefits and salary packaging to help maximise take-home pay
Travel nursing for international nurses — visa and job options
If you’re a nurse from overseas, Australia offers several visa options for travel nursing, including:
- Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482) – Allows employers to sponsor skilled workers for temporary employment.
- Working Holiday Visa – Available for eligible countries, allowing short-term work in Australia.
- Skilled Migration Visas – Suitable for nurses seeking long-term career opportunities in Australia.
To work as a nurse in Australia, you are responsible for meeting the necessary legal and professional requirements, including:
- Registration with AHPRA – The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) oversees nurse registration, and applicants must complete the necessary steps.
- English language proficiency – Most applicants must demonstrate English competency through recognised tests such as IELTS or OET.
- Qualification recognition – If you trained overseas, your credentials must be assessed to ensure they meet Australian standards.
At HCA, we support international nurses by offering guidance on visa options, job placements and settling into life in Australia. However, securing the appropriate visa, completing the registration process, and meeting regulatory requirements remain your responsibilities.
A strong application can make a big difference when applying for travel nursing roles and maximising your travel nurse salary. Make sure your resume and cover letter highlight the following:
- Your nursing qualifications and AHPRA registration
- Relevant clinical experience and specialties
- Any certifications and additional training
- Your flexibility and willingness to travel
Need help? HCA offers resources and tips to ensure your application stands out.
Why choose HCA for your Travel Nurse placement
Increased Opportunity
HCA Travel Nurse has access to 500+ facilities across Australia and almost 50 years of experience placing healthcare professionals
Personal Consultation
Round-the-clock assistance and advice from dedicated consultants to maximise your travel nurse income, plus dedicated after-hours support
Travel Reimbursements
Subsidised or free travel reimbursements thanks to exclusive perks like our 'Travel FREE with HCA Travel Nurse'
Flexibility
Whether it's just a few shifts or a few months we'll work to send you to your 'must-go' locations
Start your travel nursing career today with Healthcare Australia
Are you ready to take your nursing career on the road? Healthcare Australia makes it easy to find exciting travel nursing opportunities across the country. Whether you’re an experienced local nurse looking for flexibility or an international nurse wanting to work in Australia, we’re here to support you.
For more information on working in rural and remote locations with Healthcare Australia’s Travel Nurse team, please contact us on 1300 885 728 or complete the below enquiry form.
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