Moving to the Northern Rivers
Practical Information for Doctors
Relocating to the Northern Rivers offers a refreshing blend of community life, natural beauty and balanced living. If you’re considering a move to join Village Medicine, the information below can help you plan the transition.
Where to Live
Brunswick Heads and surrounding areas offer a range of housing options, from coastal apartments to family homes in quiet residential pockets. Popular suburbs for healthcare professionals include:
- Brunswick Heads – walkable, village atmosphere
- Ocean Shores – larger homes, peaceful neighbourhoods
- South Golden Beach / New Brighton – relaxed, beachside living
- Mullumbimby – vibrant community with schools and cafés
Short-term accommodation can be arranged for GPs joining our clinic.
Schools and Childcare
Families will find a wide selection of quality education options across the region, including public, independent and Steiner schools. Nearby options include:
- Brunswick Heads Public School
- St John’s Primary School
- Mullumbimby High School
- Multiple early learning centres
Transport and Accessibility
Brunswick Heads is conveniently located:
- 10 minutes from Byron Bay
- 20 minutes from Tweed Valley Hospital
- 30 minutes from the Gold Coast Airport
This makes it easy for interstate travel, visiting family or accessing broader medical networks.
I’m Dr Cat Quinn, the principal GP at Village Medicine. After working in a range of medical and community settings, I chose Brunswick Heads because it offers something rare - a place where meaningful practice and a grounded lifestyle can sit comfortably side by side.
I love the rhythm of this town: mornings by the river, familiar faces at local cafés, and the sense of ease that comes from being part of a quaint, connected community. Practising here in Bruns feels genuine and sustainable, and that’s the kind of environment we’ve built at Village Medicine.
The broader Northern Rivers community also hosts a strong, collegial health network with access to local GP peer groups, continuing education opportunities, allied health collaborations, and nearby hospitals and specialists across Tweed and Byron. It’s a supportive region for clinicians who enjoy learning, sharing ideas and working as part of a wider healthcare community.
Settling into the Community
A Calming Space for Better Care
New residents often comment on how welcoming the community is. Whether you enjoy outdoor activities, local markets, arts, food, or simply quieter living, the region makes it easy to create a fulfilling routine.
Relocating here is a shift into a more balanced way of practising ....and living.
We would love to speak with you.
If you’re a GP who values connection, thoughtful care, and an integrative approach to medicine, please reach out.