Travel Nursing Hotspots Across Australia: Our top 5 picks.
Where could your next nursing contract take you? The CC Medical Nursing team highlights five Travel Nursing hotspots offering strong demand, attractive earning potential and the opportunity to experience more of Australia.
Travel Nursing gives experienced nurses the opportunity to earn more, choose when and where they work, and experience parts of Australia they may never otherwise get to see.
So where are the opportunities in 2026?
Based on demand across regional, rural and remote Australia, here are
five Travel Nursing hotspots to have on your radar.
1. Northern Territory — Up to $118/hr
The Northern Territory remains one of Australia's standout Travel Nursing destinations, with significant demand across remote communities and health services.
Opportunities are particularly strong for Remote Area Nursing, ED, Mental Health, Primary Health and Midwifery.
Experienced remote nurses can earn up to around $118/hr, depending on the contract, with penalties, overtime and on-call potentially increasing earnings further. Travel and accommodation may also be included separately.
Indicative rate: Up to $118/hr + applicable penalties and benefits.
2. Western Australia — Up to $90/hr
WA offers everything from regional hospitals and remote communities to specialist and FIFO-style nursing opportunities.
Demand can be particularly strong across Rural & Remote Nursing, ED, Mental Health, Correctional Health and Theatre.
Selected Travel Nursing opportunities can offer rates of up to around $90/hr, with super, penalties and applicable incentives additional depending on the contract.
Indicative rate: Up to $90/hr + applicable penalties and benefits.
3. Regional & Remote Queensland
Queensland continues to offer Travel Nursing opportunities across regional hospitals, rural health services and remote communities.
ED, ICU, Mental Health, Midwifery and Rural & Remote Nursing are among the specialties worth watching, with accommodation, travel assistance and other incentives potentially available on eligible contracts.
Rates vary by specialty, location, roster and individual contract.
4. Regional New South Wales — Up to $195/hr on Public Holidays*
NSW is a great example of why Travel Nurses should look beyond the standard weekday rate.
A contractor rate example shows rates of approximately $77–$92/hr for AM shifts, increasing to $107–$129/hr Saturdays, $113–$137/hr Sundays and $162–$195/hr on public holidays, depending on classification.
Indicative rate: Around $77–$92/hr AM, with applicable penalty shifts reaching considerably higher.*
These are contractor rate examples and aren't standard rates for every NSW Travel Nursing contract.
5. Tasmania
Tasmania offers the opportunity to combine a nursing contract with the experience of living and exploring one of Australia's most unique destinations.
Opportunities can arise across regional hospitals and community health services, particularly in ED, Mental Health, Medical/Surgical and Community Nursing.
Rates vary by specialty, location, roster and individual contract.
What Can Make a Travel Nursing Contract Pay More?
The hourly rate is only one part of the equation.
Depending on the assignment, your overall package could also include penalty rates, overtime, on-call payments, rural or remote incentives, accommodation, flights or travel assistance, hire car, allowances and completion bonuses.
And we've seen the earning potential firsthand.
Several experienced CC Medical nurses earned more than $300,000 in 2025 through selected high-demand contracts, specialist placements, overtime, penalties and applicable cash incentives.
Where Will Travel Nursing Take You in 2026?
Whether it's Remote Nursing in the Northern Territory, an opportunity in Western Australia, a regional Queensland or NSW contract, or a few months exploring Tasmania, Travel Nursing gives you the freedom to choose where your career takes you next.
The CC Medical Nursing team can help you compare current opportunities based on your specialty, experience, availability, rates and preferred destinations.
Tell us where you'd like to go — and we'll help you find your next Travel Nursing opportunity. Or browse our current Nursing Jobs across Australia to find a role that matches your skills and preferred location.
