Hi, thought I'd chip in - another pom, in a similar situation (over here with work). Glider pilot when I arrived, but for a little entertainment over the forthcoming winter, I'm doing a PPL with the aforementioned Essendon Flying school.
Aircraft wise, it's a 150, 172, and they have use of a 150 aerobat. The kit's reasonably long in the tooth, but seems to work fine, Laurie's a nice bloke too - I'd recommend having a look.