FN,
I'm a flying instructor in Perth and have already started my ATPL conversion.
First of all when on your holiday get your Class 1 med at Gatwick (have to do initial there). The JAA standards are higher than the Oz ones (especially for eyes). No point buyin texts if you cant get your medical.
I'm doing my JAA ATPL theory with Bristol. Its all distance learning except for 2 weeks of brushups just prior to exams. I've finished the first module and sat the exams in Feb. Passed all 8.
I'm moving permanently in June or July to finish off mod 2 exams then convert licences (probably with Tayflite in Scotland).
Get the Oz IR if you havnt already as the hours req'd for the JAA equivalent is cut significantly - 55 down to 15!
Also if you dont have 100hrs in a twin your gonna have to do the JAA ME piston endorsement.......
If you want anymore info send me a private msg or post here.
PL