UK Private Pilot - conversion to Australian CASA PPL and then CPL
Hello! I am a UK private pilot and Australian citizen who wants to move to Oz in order to get my CPL. I have sent off all the necessary forms to convert my UK PPL and searching for flying schools. I would preferably like an integrated course somewhere in the southwest near Melbourne. I am in the early stages of my searching and want to be fully informed. I have a bunch of questions. I want to become a bush pilot
Is it true I get to keep my UK rating as well as gaining an Oz one?
Do my hours flown in GB registered aircraft count towards my CPL once I have converted my PPL to Australian?
Do any of you have advice to someone in my position, with regards to good schools/pricing/options for achieving my CPL?
What hidden pitfalls could I expect whilst undertaking this plan?
What are the prospects of being able to fly internationally and work in different countries having gained a CASA CPL (such as the states). Does it just involve a lot of paperwork and faffing?
I don't expect all my questions to be answered in one go and would appreciate any feedback or tips!!
Cheers