When you're choosing where to settle, access to healthcare for you and your family is non-negotiable. In regional Victoria, you'll find a comprehensive range of services available.
Hospitals and health services
Regional Victoria has 50+ public hospitals and health services across five regional health zones. Major hospitals in Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Shepparton, and Warrnambool cover the full range: surgery, maternity, mental health, rehabilitation, and specialist clinics, with care available at every level below that.
Everyday care
Government-supported community health centres operate across regional towns and cities, offering GP services, allied health, aged care, and visiting specialist consultations, so access to care doesn't require a long journey.
Urgent care
Urgent care clinics and centres operate across many regional areas, open seven days with no appointment needed, for conditions that need prompt attention without being a full emergency. The Victorian Virtual Emergency Department extends this further, providing free, 24/7 video consultations with emergency doctors and nurses from anywhere in the state.
Emergency care
All major regional hospitals provide free, 24/7 emergency departments. Ambulance Victoria operates regional stations across the state, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service provides outreach and mobile health programs for more remote communities.
Regional centres | Key hospital / service | Services provided | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Geelong | University Hospital Geelong | Emergency, surgery, maternity, mental health, rehab, specialist clinics | Largest regional hospital in Barwon South West; strong links to Melbourne teaching hospitals |
Ballarat | Grampians Health – Ballarat | Emergency, surgery, maternity, mental health, rehabilitation, oncology | Serves the broader Grampians region; Federation University medical training partner |
Bendigo | Bendigo Health | Emergency, surgery, maternity, mental health, rehabilitation, cancer centre | Major teaching hospital; La Trobe University clinical training hub |
Shepparton | Goulburn Valley Health | Emergency, surgery, maternity, mental health, community health | Primary health hub for Greater Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley |
Warrnambool | South West Healthcare | Emergency, surgery, maternity, mental health, rehabilitation | Serves the Great South Coast; strong community health network |
Wherever you are in Victoria, the Virtual Emergency Department allows you to have a video consultation with Emergency doctors and nurses. This free service is available 24 hours – providing peace of mind when you need it most.
Mental health support
Mental health has been a priority area of investment across regional Victoria. New infrastructure and expanded community-based services reflect a genuine commitment to full-spectrum care, not just physical health.
If you are navigating the emotional complexity of arriving in a new country, support is accessible and local. Community mental health services operate across all major regional centres, and you can access these services anytime:
- If you need to speak with someone now, NURSE-ON-CALL connects you to a registered nurse 24 hours a day, free of charge.
- Embrace Multicultural Mental Health - mental health information and service referrals in multiple languages. Specifically for people from migrant and culturally diverse backgrounds.
- Head to Health - free mental health support by phone and in person, with no referral or Medicare card required.
A lifestyle that supports your health
Access to services is only part of the picture. The regional lifestyle itself actively contributes to better health outcomes. Daily commutes average just 15-20 minutes in most regional centres, a refreshing change from the pace of big cities. That time comes back to your day, creating more space for exercise, cooking, family or sleep.
Ajay Mada cherishes the serenity, natural wonders and community spirit in Ballarat. He states, “I don’t regret my choice and I love where I am right now.” In his spare time Ajay pursues his passion as a semi-professional cricketer for the Mt Clear Cricket Club. His love for the game has not only connected him with the local community but also provides him with a sense of fulfilment.