Background Recruitment of general practitioners for research in Australia is problematic. We aimed to explore general practice demographics and recent research experience for effects on research attitudes and enablers and inhibitors of research participation. Methods A survey was developed and distributed to GPs via two divisions of general practice in Melbourne, Victoria. Results Seven hundred and fifty-six questionnaires were mailed and 215 (28%) returned; 50% of respondents were women and 51% of all GPs had previously participated in general practice research. Gender differences were found in factors affecting the decision to participate. Women were significantly more concerned about out-of-hours commitment (p<0.001), paperwork volume (p<0.001), recruitment criteria (p=0.009) and research methodology complexity (p=0.016). They were more likely to want to work as a general practice group (p=0.007) and to be inhibited by having to present results to peers (OR 2.4, 95% CI: 1.5–3.8). Conclusion Research challenges, reduced interest in research participation and feminisation of the workforce have major implications for the future of research in general practice. Systemic changes are needed to address these issues.