or you can get a temporary certificate on the basis of your UK Licience to fly there .. this might be easier ..
I applied for this and recieved it fairly easily then applied for a SPL .........took 6 months
and was only possible since i had a relative in OZ
CASA make CAA look efficient and helpful!!!!!!!!!!!!
Also you may need a security card to visit certain airfields (RPT)
Best of luck ....where abouts are you travelling to?
Might be useful to contact the aircraft hirer for some help.
cheers