Thanks, both of you. Nothing like getting info from the other side of the world; isn't PPRuNe wonderful.
mostlytossas,
I was planning on going in October; I can't manage much earlier, and from what I read, that sounded like a good month for getting reasonable weather over the whole country, or at least the bits I'm planning to see (Melbourne, Alice Springs/Uluru, Cairns, Sydney). Or have I got it completely wrong?
i.dingbat,
Many thanks; that photo looks wonderful. will reply to your pm when my PC stops playing up!