Hey ODP, i'm doing the same thing.
I came back to Aus to get an IPC. 3000$…
For all the others that are confused on here about the 7yrs or the 3 years, this is how I understand it.
Exam credits are valid for:
7 years if you are transitioning directly to an EASA ATPL, as in you have an ICAO ATPL as well as 500hrs on a multi pilot acft (min req for EASA atpl)
3 years if for all other conversions. Which means even if you have a ICAO ATPL, but not the '500 multi pilot' hours, then you got 3 years to finish your EASA CPL.
Correct me if i'm wrong, but this is how I interpreted it.
PS. what flying schools are some of the other Aussies on here looking at to convert their licence.