Australian birthing hospitals
Pick your state and region to compare maternity hospitals near you: the facilities each one has, how to book in, who to call and which suits your situation.
Find hospitals in your state
134
hospital guides
Public or private?
The biggest choice most families make first. Here is how the two usually differ.
Public hospital
95 in our guides
- No hospital fees for Medicare card holders
- Care from hospital midwives and doctors, or shared with your GP
- You will not usually choose which obstetrician you see
Private hospital
39 in our guides
- You choose your own obstetrician early in pregnancy
- Private health cover that includes pregnancy, or you pay yourself
- Usually a private room and a longer stay after the birth
How to choose a hospital
Six things most parents weigh up.
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If you are expecting twins, have a health condition or your baby may come early, your doctor or midwife may suggest a hospital with newborn intensive care (NICU) on site, so your baby would not need to move to another hospital. On your state page, filter by Newborn intensive care (NICU).
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Some public hospitals offer midwifery group practice or other continuity of care programs, where you see the same midwife or small team through pregnancy, birth and the early weeks at home. Places can be limited, so ask early. On your state page, filter by Same midwife throughout.
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Public care is free for Medicare card holders, with care from hospital midwives and doctors, or shared with your GP. You will not usually choose which obstetrician you see. Private care means choosing your own obstetrician early in pregnancy and having private health cover that includes pregnancy, or paying yourself.
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Think about the trip at night and in peak traffic, and who will drive you. Every guide has the address, a map and the number to call before you come in.
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Many hospitals run Aboriginal birthing programs with Aboriginal health workers and midwives. On your state page, filter by Aboriginal birthing program to see which ones do.
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Many guides link to the hospital's own tour video or photos, so you can see the birth suites and rooms before you choose. Ask the hospital about tours when you book in.
Filter by these on your state page.
Hospital details are checked against each hospital or health service’s own website. Services and contact details can change, so confirm with the hospital before you go. This page is general information and is not medical advice.
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