Can't say that I agree about getting an automatic -- it takes about 5 seconds, maybe less, to get used to shifting with the left hand instead of right. Auto cars tend to be larger, less fun, and decidedly more expensive.

rb.sr had a particularly insightful comment about driving "too far on the left." When driving in N America or Europe, the driver is accustomed to seeing his/her driving lane from just left of center. Getting the same view from a right-hand drive car in Aus/UK/Ire/etc. can put the left (passenger) side of the car awfully close to that retaining wall on the side of the road.

A final caution about driving in Australia: They've tentatively planned to switch from driving on the left to driving on the right in 2004. They're planning to do it gradually, beginning with trucks only from January through March, then passenger cars beginning in April. You might wish to avoid driving there until things get sorted out.

Wideman