gday mate, I'm north of you and have ridden a bit of extreme in the himalaya, in Tasmania, and Europe. I'm heading to the Continental Divide and Baja this year in the USA.
I'd just say that it's worth doing a basic mechanics course or something rather than relying on someone else. Sure it's easier to have someone else do it, but if you get separated or he/she has an issue and has to bail, then so do you. Why not learn some basics?
I'm no mechanic, but I'd say you are looking at the right bike, or at least the right category. Not too heavy, and mostly reliable.
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