I wen to Archerfield in brisbane last year. I think the school was called RQAC, Royal Queensland Air Club.
http://www.rqac.com
I did an hour of circuits in a C172RG in preparation for soem multi engine training and they signed me off on all there 152s, 172s and the RG on the basis of that flight.
I'd be surprised if what you talk of above is at RQAC. Go have a chat with Don Mitchel, he's a top bloke and excellent teacher.
They signed me off solo in a Duchess after exactly 6 hrs and then I did a 400nm cross country with my girlfriend up to Fraser Island and Bunderberg, that being the first time I left Archerfield. Its not difficult at all. However, I do think they want you to be very careful about heading more than 100nm inland because then it becomes progressivly execptionally remote and potentially dangerous.