Job description
• Flexible blocks + longer contracts: short stints through to ongoing cover across multiple FNQ hospitals near Cairns.
• True Rural Generalist scope: mix of ED, ward/inpatient and clinic work with supportive teams and telehealth/retrieval backup.
• Procedural opportunities available: Obstetrics/Anaesthetics options at selected sites (credentialing dependent) with shared on-call.
We are seeking experienced Rural Generalist Senior Medical Officers (SMOs) for a range of short- and long-term locum and contract opportunities across Far North Queensland, based in well-supported regional and rural hospitals close to Cairns and the Atherton Tablelands.
These roles suit SMOs who enjoy a true rural generalist scope, strong team environments, and the lifestyle benefits of tropical North Queensland.
Locations & Date Ranges (2026)
Innisfail Hospital
• ASAP – 28 Feb 2026 (multiple positions)
• 01 Feb – 01 Aug 2026 (new)
Tully Hospital
• 09 Feb – 27 Feb 2026
• 02 May – 10 Jul 2026
Atherton Hospital
• 31 Jan – 16 Feb 2026
• 23 Feb – 12 Apr 2026
• 23 Apr – 16 Jun 2026
Yarrabah Hospital
• Multiple single dates and short blocks in Feb–Apr 2026
Herberton Hospital
• 01 Jun – 12 Jun 2026
• 22 Jun – 28 Jun 2026
• 11 Jul – 17 Jul 2026
Mareeba Hospital
• 02 Feb – 15 Feb 2026
• 16 Feb – 31 Dec 2026 (various ongoing positions – new)
Babinda Hospital
• 20 Jun – 20 Jul 2026 (new)
• 02 Nov – 06 Nov 2026 (new)
About the Roles:
Depending on location, roles may include:
• Emergency Department cover (24-hour ED in some sites)
• Inpatient and ward care
• GP clinics and outpatient services
• Obstetrics and/or Anaesthetics (where credentialed)
• On-call shared within supportive SMO teams
• Strong PHO/RMO support and access to telehealth retrieval services
Hospitals range from MM4–MM5 facilities, with ED volumes from 20–40 patients per day through to 25,000+ annual ED presentations, and up to 200 births per year at larger sites.
What We’re Looking For:
• FACRRM or FRACGP
• Strong Emergency Medicine experience
• Comfortable working as a Rural Generalist across ED, ward and GP settings
• Ability to work independently while valuing team-based support
Why These Roles?
• Well-established, supportive medical teams
• Excellent clinical exposure without metropolitan overcrowding
• Easy access to Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef, rainforests and national parks
• Flexible contracts: short blocks, medium-term or ongoing
• Genuine work-life balance in sought-after tropical locations
Interested?
Apply now or enquire confidentially to discuss:
• Which locations best suit your skillset
• Roster patterns, on-call expectations and contract lengths
Early applications encouraged – several roles already filling for 2026.
If you are interested in this role and would like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact Tom Phillips at tom@charterhousemedical.com
If this role is not quite suitable for you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch as I am working on a number of other roles that might be of interest.