Perth - Perth Hills

If you’re a fellowed or newly fellowed GP seeking a metro DPA location with a distinctly different lifestyle from coastal or flat suburban Perth, the Perth Hills deliver a compelling option. Centred on the elevated communities of Kalamunda and Mundaring along the Darling Scarp, this region offers cooler temperatures, bushland surrounds, larger blocks and a strong sense of community while remaining within commuting distance of the city. Many catchments here hold DPA status (including Kalamunda and Mundaring–Swan View under recent classifications), reflecting ongoing need for GPs in these outer-metro hillside locations.

 

Population growth is steadier than in Perth’s rapid greenfield corridors, driven more by lifestyle relocation than large-scale new estates. The City of Kalamunda serves a population of around 46,000-plus, while Mundaring functions as a smaller, characterful town centre further east. Residents are often drawn by the space, tree cover and escape from coastal-plain heat, creating stable, family- and downsizer-oriented communities that support consistent general practice demand.

 

Transport is primarily road-based. Great Eastern Highway and connecting routes link the Hills to Midland and the Perth CBD, with typical drive times of 30–50 minutes depending on the exact suburb and traffic. Buses connect to Midland Station for rail services into the city. While public transport is more limited than in denser corridors, the trade-off is a quieter, more spacious environment.

 

Education options include local primary schools and secondary colleges such as Eastern Hills Senior High School, along with independent and Catholic choices across Kalamunda and Mundaring. Everyday amenities are available in the Kalamunda and Mundaring town centres, with larger retail and services accessible in Midland. Local medical centres provide primary care support, while tertiary hospitals in Midland and further into Perth handle more complex referrals.

 

Lifestyle is the defining attraction. The region is known for its national parks, walking and cycling trails, Lesmurdie Falls, Mundaring Weir, local markets, galleries, produce and a genuine village atmosphere in places. Summers are noticeably cooler than on the coastal plain, and the elevated setting delivers expansive views and a strong connection to nature.

 

In this series we cover the key suburbs where Doctor Connect has placed — or is currently recruiting for — DPA roles across the Perth Hills: Kalamunda and Mundaring. Both offer the same core advantages — scenic living, community feel, DPA-supported patient demand and practical access to the wider Perth metropolitan area.

 

Talk to the Doctor Connect team about current GP opportunities in the Perth Hills.