Top 10 Hospitals in Australia – Overview of Facilities & Expenses
Australia is globally recognized for its high-quality healthcare system, advanced research, and hospitals equipped with cutting-edge medical technology. Patients across the Asia-Pacific region often choose Australian hospitals for specialized treatments, organ transplants, and cancer care, due to their blend of clinical excellence and patient-centered services.
This article highlights the top 10 hospitals in Australia, covering their location, specialties, facilities, and estimated expenses to give patients a comprehensive view of the healthcare landscape.
1. Royal Melbourne Hospital – Melbourne, Victoria
Location: Parkville, Melbourne
Overview:
Founded in 1848, Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) is one of the oldest and most prestigious hospitals in Australia. It is a major teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Melbourne and is globally respected for trauma care and organ transplants.
Areas of Expertise:
- Trauma and emergency medicine
- Cardiology and cardiac surgery
- Neurology and neurosurgery
- Organ transplantation
- Infectious diseases
Facilities:
- Advanced ICUs
- Melbourne Comprehensive Cancer Centre
- Robotic surgery units
- Research and teaching facilities
Expenses:
- Outpatient consultation: AUD 300–600
- Heart bypass surgery: AUD 80,000–120,000
- Organ transplants: AUD 150,000+
2. Royal Prince Alfred Hospital – Sydney, New South Wales
Location: Camperdown, Sydney
Overview:
Royal Prince Alfred (RPA) is one of Sydney’s most prominent hospitals, closely linked to the University of Sydney. It is known for pioneering research and excellence in organ transplantation.
Areas of Expertise:
- Liver, kidney, and pancreas transplants
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
- Cardiothoracic surgery
- Respiratory medicine
Facilities:
- Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Cancer Centre
- Robotic surgical systems
- High-dependency ICUs
- International patient support
Expenses:
- Outpatient consultation: AUD 250–500
- Liver transplant: AUD 150,000–250,000
- Cancer care (per chemo cycle): AUD 8,000–12,000
3. The Alfred Hospital – Melbourne, Victoria
Location: Prahran, Melbourne
Overview:
The Alfred is a leading tertiary referral hospital, particularly well-known for trauma services and advanced transplant programs.
Areas of Expertise:
- Trauma and critical care
- Heart and lung transplants
- Infectious diseases
- Neurosciences
- Intensive care
Facilities:
- Largest ICU in Australasia
- Cardiac and respiratory specialty units
- Research and innovation labs
- Advanced trauma center
Expenses:
- Outpatient consultation: AUD 300–600
- Heart or lung transplant: AUD 200,000–400,000
- General surgeries: AUD 15,000–40,000
4. St Vincent’s Hospital – Sydney, New South Wales
Location: Darlinghurst, Sydney
Overview:
St Vincent’s Hospital is internationally recognized for cardiology, palliative care, and mental health services. It also pioneered heart transplantation in Australia.
Areas of Expertise:
- Cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery
- Oncology
- Psychiatry and mental health
- HIV/AIDS treatment and research
- Palliative care
Facilities:
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research
- Cardiac catheterization labs
- Cancer treatment center
- Mental health units
Expenses:
- Outpatient consultation: AUD 200–500
- Open-heart surgery: AUD 80,000–150,000
- Psychiatric care programs: AUD 5,000–15,000 per month privately
5. Fiona Stanley Hospital – Perth, Western Australia
Location: Murdoch, Perth
Overview:
Opened in 2014, Fiona Stanley is one of Australia’s newest and most advanced hospitals, designed with a patient-centered model of care.
Areas of Expertise:
- Liver and kidney transplants
- Emergency medicine
- Cancer care
- Orthopedics
- Rehabilitation services
Facilities:
- 783 beds
- Digital hospital systems
- Specialized transplant units
- Rehabilitation center
Expenses:
- Outpatient consultation: AUD 250–400
- Orthopedic surgeries (hip replacement): AUD 25,000–40,000
- Cancer treatment packages: AUD 30,000–70,000
6. Austin Hospital – Melbourne, Victoria
Location: Heidelberg, Melbourne
Overview:
Austin Hospital is known for its excellence in liver transplantation and neurology. It is affiliated with the University of Melbourne and is also a major research hub.
Areas of Expertise:
- Liver transplantation
- Neurology and neurosurgery
- Sleep disorders
- Respiratory medicine
- Psychiatry
Facilities:
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre
- Spinal injury service
- Sleep laboratories
- Specialized ICUs
Expenses:
- Outpatient consultation: AUD 250–500
- Liver transplant: AUD 150,000–250,000
- Neurological surgeries: AUD 50,000–90,000
7. Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital – Brisbane, Queensland
Location: Herston, Brisbane
Overview:
RBWH is one of the largest hospitals in Queensland, specializing in women’s health, trauma, and oncology.
Areas of Expertise:
- Women’s health and neonatal care
- Oncology
- Neurology
- Trauma and burns care
- Cardiothoracic surgery
Facilities:
- Neonatal ICUs
- Comprehensive women’s health center
- Cancer services
- Emergency and trauma units
Expenses:
- Maternity packages: AUD 5,000–12,000 privately
- Cancer treatment: AUD 20,000–60,000
- Trauma care (complex cases): AUD 30,000+
8. Westmead Hospital – Sydney, New South Wales
Location: Westmead, Sydney
Overview:
Westmead Hospital is a leading referral center, particularly strong in oncology and pediatric care.
Areas of Expertise:
- Oncology
- Pediatrics
- Cardiology
- Emergency medicine
- Renal care
Facilities:
- Westmead Cancer Centre
- Advanced ICUs
- Pediatric units
- Research collaborations with universities
Expenses:
- Outpatient consultation: AUD 250–450
- Cancer treatment: AUD 20,000–60,000 annually
- Pediatric surgeries: AUD 15,000–30,000
9. Mater Hospital – Brisbane, Queensland
Location: South Brisbane
Overview:
Mater Hospital is a non-profit facility offering quality healthcare with a focus on maternity and oncology.
Areas of Expertise:
- Maternity and neonatal care
- Oncology
- Cardiology
- Orthopedics
- Neurosciences
Facilities:
- Mater Mothers’ Hospital
- Neonatal intensive care
- Oncology units
- Surgical and rehabilitation services
Expenses:
- Maternity packages: AUD 8,000–15,000
- Orthopedic surgeries: AUD 25,000–40,000
- Oncology treatments: AUD 30,000–70,000
10. Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital – Perth, Western Australia
Location: Nedlands, Perth
Overview:
Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital is a major tertiary hospital known for neurology, oncology, and cardiology services.
Areas of Expertise:
- Neurology and neurosurgery
- Oncology
- Cardiology
- Renal medicine
- Trauma care
Facilities:
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research
- Cancer treatment and radiotherapy units
- Advanced trauma services
- Specialized ICUs
Expenses:
- Outpatient consultation: AUD 250–450
- Cancer radiotherapy: AUD 20,000–50,000
- Cardiac surgery: AUD 70,000–120,000
Conclusion
Australia’s healthcare landscape is anchored by world-class hospitals that combine technology, research, and compassionate care. From the historic Royal Melbourne Hospital to the ultra-modern Fiona Stanley Hospital, these institutions serve both local patients and international visitors.
While Medicare ensures affordable access for citizens and permanent residents, international and private patients face significant expenses. Consultations generally cost AUD 250–600, while advanced surgeries and transplants may range from AUD 25,000 to over AUD 250,000, depending on complexity.
Ultimately, whether you need life-saving organ transplants, cancer therapies, or maternity care, the top hospitals in Australia deliver healthcare that stands at par with the best hospitals globally.