Locum Location - Kimberley, WA

Locum Spotlight: A Doctor’s Kimberley Experience – Broome, Fitzroy Crossing and Life on the Road

How did you settle in? Any tips for new arrivals?

After rendering myself homeless for a couple of months, I thought it would be a good opportunity to pack my bags and head to the Kimberley. I was lucky enough to work for three weeks in Broome, a very happy and chilled place, surrounded by amazing sunsets and glorious ocean dipping. Broome Hospital is the main referral centre for the Kimberley and has a well-working ED, ward and HDU, mostly run by GPs and rural generalists with special interests.

The Kimberley has about 20 different programs and electronic systems, and it took me a while to get a grasp of which program suits which situation. There are different systems for imaging, reporting, pathology, EMR, referrals, requesting… the list goes on.

How was the travel, logistics and accommodation?

Getting around was easy. From Broome, I went on a mini tour of the Kimberley. The first stop was Fitzroy Crossing.

Fitzroy Crossing is a community 300 km east of Broome and is located on the Fitzroy River, which during the wet season is the fastest flowing river in Australia. I was there at the end of the dry season when the river was much calmer.

You can get there via an easy flight from Broome with Aviair, which also stops at Halls Creek, or it’s a 350 km drive east on the highway.

The accommodation in Fitzroy Crossing was a unit on-site, which was well-stocked and, importantly, had good working air conditioning.

What was the support for locum doctors like in the department?

In Fitzroy Crossing, the hospital has a small ED with a couple of beds and a few consult rooms, plus a well-stocked resus bay. Most of the doctors are locum rural generalists and GPs. The site is supported by ETS, which is a telehealth service providing FACEM advice and support for any sick patients.

It’s also a regular stop for the RFDS flight path to pick up anyone requiring further input. The hospital has a small ward which is like a short stay area, as well as community health, a GP, mental health services and an Aboriginal health service supporting the hospital.

Visiting specialists come through on rotation. Most unwell patients go to Broome or Perth. Out of hours, you are the only doctor there, but the nurses are very supportive and helpful. Some of the nurses can do X-rays and there is occasionally an ultrasound available, but otherwise there is no further access to imaging and only point-of-care blood tests are available.

Any comments on the hospital setup and environment?

In Broome, everything works well and the environment is relaxed but efficient. In Fitzroy Crossing, the setup is small, simple and very rural, but it functions well with the support of the nursing team and telehealth specialists.

What were the best spots in town for food, coffee or exploring?

Fitzroy Crossing is a sleepy town with not a lot going on other than the appetite for fishing. Around the area, though, there are several beautiful things to do, like the Mimbi Caves and Geike Gorge National Park.

It’s also a good place to hop onto the Gibb River Road via Tunnel Creek, which is what I did with my partner in between this placement and my next placement in Derby. We covered the west side of the Gibb River Road, partly due to time but also because everything was closing for wet season.

What did you get up to on your time off? Any inside tips?

In Broome, I spent a lot of time enjoying the sunsets and dipping into the ocean. In Fitzroy Crossing, I enjoyed the gym and exploring the lakes and surrounding countryside when I could.

For anyone visiting, definitely check out the Mimbi Caves, Geike Gorge, Tunnel Creek and the start of the Gibb River Road. They are absolutely worth the trip.

Would you go back? Would you recommend this locum?

Yes, I would go back and I’d recommend the location to others interested in doing locums there. Broome is a beautiful base and Fitzroy Crossing offers true rural medicine with supportive nurses, visiting specialists and a friendly environment. It’s a really unique experience and a great part of the Kimberley to explore.

Thinking About Your Own Kimberley Locum Adventure?

If you are a medical registrar, CMO, or rural generalist considering work in the Kimberley, this region offers an unforgettable mix of clinical challenge, community connection, and outback adventure. From Broome’s sunsets to Fitzroy Crossing’s true rural medicine, doctors can expect:

• Supportive nursing teams and telehealth specialist backup

• Unique exposure to rural and remote clinical presentations

• Comfortable onsite accommodation in most locations

• The chance to explore lakes, gorges, and the iconic Gibb River Road in your downtime

• A welcoming community feel across hospitals and townships

📩 Interested in locum roles across Broome, Fitzroy Crossing, Derby or the wider Kimberley?

Email hello@blugibbon.com.au and we’ll help you plan your next adventure.