I seem to recall, in 1998, I took my logbook, UK licence and medical to CASA at Bankstown, handed over $50, and got an Australian Special PPL(A).
Worth ringing the local CASA office ( if you're in Sydney Bankstown is about 45 mins - 1hr drive from the coast ) to see what the score is.
Once you've got your licence, you'd be planning some fam trips with an instructor anyway, wouldn't you ? Also worth thinking about a handheld GPS and a decent survival kit and book - if you have an accident somewhere remote, you'll need to know you can live long enough to be rescued.
Also, before I went, I got my medical renewed, and the guy I get mine done at is allowed to do Australian medicals as well - an extra tenner seemed worth it to me.
BTW, I didn't do any fixed wing flying - turned my hand to helicopters instead !!
[This message has been edited by The Nr Fairy (edited 07 July 2001).]