Locations
From South Australia’s wine regions—the Barossa Valley, the Clare Valley, or the rolling hills and coastal areas of the mid north and Yorke Peninsula—to the western regional centres of Whyalla and Port Lincoln on the Eyre Peninsula, medical students can undertake clinical placements in a range of rural and remote locations.
Each of our rural training sites provide unique opportunities in Aboriginal health, community engagement and rural lifestyle.
Each centre typically has a local Student Support Coordinator who manages various aspects of clinical placements, including accommodation, timetabling and local orientation. They have local knowledge and experience, and can assist you with any questions about the region and placement. In addition, there is also a Clinical Academic to supervise and mentor you throughout your placement.
Barossa
Within one-and-a-half hours’ drive from Adelaide, the Barossa is a world-renowned wine region also known for its local gourmet food. The area includes a number of picturesque towns such as Kapunda, Tanunda and Angaston, which all have local hospitals utilised for student learning. Placements in the Barossa are available in years 5 and 6.
Broken Hill
Broken Hill is located in the Far West region of New South Wales. It is close to the South Australian border and has a population of approximately 18,000 people—8.4% of which are Indigenous. Broken Hill is famous for its mining, amazing history and taste for art, architecture and the finer things in life. Placements in Broken Hill are available in years 4, 5 and 6.
Ceduna
Ceduna lies about 400km west of Port Lincoln with a population of just over 2,000. The town and surrounding areas are well known for their oysters, fishing and pristine beaches. Placements in Ceduna are available in years 4, 5 and 6.
Clare
Clare is located two hours north of Adelaide and consists of one of South Australia’s oldest wine regions, the Clare Valley. It is also home to the Riesling Trail and a 35km cycling trail that passes by local cafes and wineries in the region. Placements in Clare are available in years 5 and 6.
Mount Barker
Mount Barker is the largest town in the Adelaide Hills, with almost 15,000 residents. It is the fastest growing town in rural South Australia and is a busy centre for the Adelaide Hills region. Placements in Mount Barker are available in years 5 and 6.
Mount Gambier
Situated on the Limestone Coast, Mount Gambier is the second largest city in South Australia with a population of around 30,000. The area is famous for its limestone caves, sinkholes and the Blue Lake. Placements in Mount Gambier are available in years 4 and 6.
Port Augusta
Port Augusta is located at the top of the Spencer Gulf and at the foothills of the Flinders Ranges. Being both on the coast and at the gateway to the Flinders Ranges, this is an ideal location for those with a passion for the outdoors. Placements in Port Augusta are available in years 4, 5 and 6.
Port Lincoln
Port Lincoln is a seaside town on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula. Known as the seafood capital of Australia, it’s an ideal spot for fishing and is surrounded by many beautiful beaches and national parks. Placements in Port Lincoln are available in years 5 and 6.
Port Pirie
Port Pirie is a seaport situated between the Spencer Gulf and the Southern Flinders Ranges. The locals are known for their love of sport and the area boasts some excellent sporting facilities. Crystal Brook is a small town located 30km from Port Pirie. The town lies on the Heysen Trail making it a great spot for keen walkers. Placements in Port Pirie are available in year 5.
Roxby Downs
Roxby Downs is a small outback mining town with a population of 4500, located 550 km north of Adelaide. Due to it's close proximity to Olympic Dam, there is an additional transient fly-in fly-out (FIFO) population of around 1000 people. The surrounding area is home to the Arid Recovery Reserve, a protected area dedicated to the restoration of Australia's arid lands. Placements in Roxby Downs are available in year 5.
Whyalla
Whyalla is one of the largest regional hubs on the Eyre Peninsula. A large population of 22,000 and the benefits of modern shopping facilities make this a vibrant and bustling location. Placements in Whyalla are available in years 4 and 5.
Yorke Peninsula
The Yorke Peninsula is a popular seaside holiday destination, just a two-hour drive from Adelaide. The coastline boasts many beautiful beaches and there is a variety of special interest, social and cultural groups in the area. Placements in the Yorke Peninsula are available in years 5 and 6.