Not sure why would be so difficult with Australian license since it is relatively easy with the Polish license. A friend of mine just recently went through this process, initiated his paperwork (which may take a few weeks) while still in Poland, then he arrived in the US, got his 3-rd class medical, went to the nearest FBO, scheduled a ride with a CFI (it is not an exam) and was able to rent aircraft later the same day.
Last edited by olasek; 8th Feb 2014 at 00:54.