The best locum doctors rarely come from job boards. They come from referrals. A colleague in the department. A registrar you worked nights with. A GP friend who keeps talking about wanting more flexibility. At Blugibbon, most of the doctors we work with were introduced to us by another doctor. And that makes sense. Medicine is a small world. Doctors trust other doctors. So when a friend says, "You should speak to these guys. They actually look after you." People listen. That is exactly why our doctor referral programme exists. Because great doctors know great doctors.

When psychiatrists talk about the best locum jobs in Australia, the conversation rarely starts with pay alone. Yes, rates matter, but so do hospital culture, clinical support, scenery, and how you feel when you finish a shift. After years of working closely with locum psychiatrists across the country, clear favourites emerge. These are destinations doctors repeatedly choose, and return to — because they offer the right balance of rewarding work and real lifestyle. Here are the top 10 locum destinations in Australia, chosen by doctors who’ve been there.

If you have ever walked through a medical conference exhibition hall, you know the drill. Rows of booths. Branded pens. Plastic stress balls. A recruiter asking “Are you looking for work?” before they have even learned your name. That is not us. If you are attending the RANZCP Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) in Melbourne in May 2026 , there is one thing you should know. Blugibbon is the official provider of caffeine . ☕ And that is completely intentional.

A practical guide for Australian psychiatrists at every stage of training and consultancy. At some point in your psychiatry career, the question arises: Should I remain in a permanent role, or explore psychiatry locum jobs in Australia?  There is no single right answer. The best choice depends on your career stage, financial goals, family commitments, and how much autonomy you want over your time. If you are comparing locum vs permanent psychiatrist jobs in Australia, this guide will help you make a decision that supports your life, not just your CV.

By Jacob Hawkins, Head of Locum Recruitment Team