You can't beat Redcliffe Aero Club, which is just north of BNE and (only just)outside controlled airspace. Very close to some of best scenery in SE Qld incl. Glasshouse Mtns, Moreton/Stradbroke/Bribie islands, Sunshine Coast and Brisbane City.
Very nice aircraft incl. C172/182, PA28, A36, P68, with one of the 172s less than 2 years old. CFI/CP Brendan is one of the best and friendliest in the business, and his instructors are all first-rate. They also have a lot of experience in overseas conversions/approvals etc.
http://www.redcliffeaeroclub.com.au/ gives all relevant information, including overseas conversions, and a primer on the local airspace so you can get some homework out of the way before you turn up.
Beware though, no matter who you go through, you still have to deal with the mighty bureacracy of CASA. Your life will be a whole lot easier if you just apply for VFR/OCTA approvals, as IFR privileges can take forever to get through.