Don't go to Sydney - the weather is not totally reliable - I was due to fly from Bankstown in November, but the weather was total pants. A friend has just returned from there, and the weather is changeable at the moment. If you go to OZ, you should go West or North to get better weather. . .. .LA weather is a bit dodgy at this time of year, but should be OK in April onwards. . .. .Some mixed reports regarding ADP. Search the archives for more. I flew from Long Beach, CA. Not bad. Nice aircraft. ****** all to do if you don't have a car. . .. .Oz is a bit safer for the GF. . .. .Rand is currently 16 to the pound.