Find your nearest ED
New South Wales
21 hospitals · Updated hourly
Data from NSW Health + Healthscope
Western Australia
10 hospitals · Updated every 15 minutes
Data from WA Health
South Australia
6 hospitals · Updated every 30 minutes
Data from SA Health + Healthscope
Queensland
13 hospitals · Updated every 30 minutes
Data from Queensland Health + Healthscope
Victoria
Private only3 hospitals · Updated every 15 minutes
Data from Healthscope (private hospitals only)
Tasmania
Private only1 hospital · Updated every 15 minutes
Data from Healthscope (private hospitals only)
When to go to ED vs. when to see a GP
Emergency departments are for serious and life-threatening conditions. If you are experiencing chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, loss of consciousness, or signs of stroke, call 000 or go to your nearest ED immediately.
For non-emergency conditions, a GP can often help faster and with less disruption to your day. Common reasons people visit the ED that a GP can handle include:
- Repeat prescriptions and medication renewals
- Medical certificates for work or study
- Referrals to specialists, pathology, or imaging
- Cold and flu symptoms
- Minor infections and skin conditions
- Mental health support
- Sexual health consultations
A bulk billed telehealth consultation lets you see an Australian-trained GP from home with no out-of-pocket cost for eligible Medicare patients.
Not sure if ED, urgent care, or telehealth is right for you? Compare your options, or read NewDoc's Telehealth vs ED Wait Times in Australia 2026 report for the head-to-head data comparison.
How ED triage works
When you arrive at an emergency department, a triage nurse assesses you and assigns a category from 1 (most urgent) to 5 (least urgent). Your wait time depends on your category and how many higher-priority patients are ahead of you.
Most telehealth-appropriate conditions fall into categories 4 and 5. If you need a prescription, medical certificate, or referral, you likely do not need the ED.
Skip the wait. See a GP from home.
For non-emergency concerns like coughs, colds, scripts, and referrals. Book a bulk billed telehealth consult with a qualified GP.
Or call 0481 615 998
Frequently asked questions
How accurate are these wait times?
Wait times come directly from official sources, state health departments for public hospitals, and Healthscope for the private hospital EDs we list, and are refreshed throughout the day. They are indicative and reflect the patients waiting at the time of the last update. Your actual wait may vary depending on the severity of your condition and new arrivals.
Do you show private hospital ED wait times too?
Yes. We include live wait times from selected private hospital EDs (currently Healthscope sites in NSW, VIC, QLD, SA and TAS). Private hospitals charge out-of-pocket fees on top of any Medicare rebate, so we clearly label them as 'Private, Fees apply' and you should always check pricing with the hospital before attending.
Can I see a GP instead of going to the ED?
For non-emergency conditions like prescriptions, medical certificates, referrals, and minor illnesses, yes. A bulk billed telehealth consultation with a GP can handle these in minutes, with no out-of-pocket cost for eligible Medicare patients.
What should I do in a medical emergency?
Call 000 immediately or go to your nearest emergency department. Do not use telehealth for life-threatening conditions including chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, stroke symptoms, or loss of consciousness.