Being a "stinking" pom and having completed a CASA CPL(H) in E. Australia, I returned to the UK still a little green expecting to get a job ... long story and 4 years later, I have just completed the first module of an excellent distance learning ATPL(H).
I can highly recommend Bristol Groundschool (
www.bristol.gs) for their ATPL(H). The cost to me was approx. 1900 GBP (although they may charge more as you're Australian !!) for all the learning material, supporting CD-ROM with additional learning modules and 2 x 2 week cramming course.
It may not suit your needs as you'll receive great benefit by attending the brush-up course, but it may be possible to sit the exams without the brush-up.
It may still require you to attend the exams in the UK, so again may not suit, but it might be worth a quick phone call or email to see if they can help - that's assuming that 1900 GBP falls within your "plainly ludicrous amounts of dosh that the poms have to lay out"
Good luck.