So I finally found the supposedly set-in-cement school term dates and it looks like they will fit perfectly for our trip.
I figure we arrive around the 8th of April, buy the bikes, visit my friend and then start off on Monday the 13th when all the kids in Victoria go back to school. We'll do inland Victoria and then head to Tasmania on the 19th so that we start the island when their kids go back to school on the 20th. Week later back to Victoria and arrive in South Australia just about the time they go to school on the 27th. From then on all the kids everywhere will be back in school so accommodations and things we want to see should be less crowded and hopefully cheaper. By the time we get to the furthest north point just past Tennant Creek where we turn east towards Cairns should be first week of May and hopefully all dry. Last 3 weeks of May down the coast and in and out of the interior to see Natl Pks we are interested in.
Ambitious plan I know but with no hotel reservations and no deadlines (our tickets will be open-ended or one-way) other than his wife's order to be back in 6 wks we have a lot of flexibility for routes.
So unless I hear anything different to change our minds that's our tentative plan for now.
The buying the bikes bit in such a short time is taking into account that I have set the purchase up in advance with a dealer so that they will be registered, licensed and insured before hand so that we arrive with $, sign papers and leave. As the time gets closer will be in contact with the Melbourne dealers and hopefully get my friend involved if necessary. I trust her enough to send the money on ahead if necessary.
As always suggestions and criticisms welcome.