Hi Rob,
I'm off to Sydney early Feb and I'm travelling alone aswell. Seems we have similar fears but I'm sure we'll be ok once we get going =)
Where abouts in the midlands are you from? I'm a midlands lad too!
It's been interesting reading your story so far!
I've finally had my visa accepted and I've got flights booked to Sydney on 5th Feb =) Very exciting! (but slightly nervous)