Thanks for your replies everyone!

Rouge - The heat is the one thing I'm concerned about. Great idea about checking out weather patterns, I'll definitely do that.

MrsS - Thanks for the book recommendation, I'll check out our local library!

Megan - DH and I camped all along the Vic and NSW coast about 11 years ago, it was awesome!

The end of the year is the most practical schooling-wise so that DS1 doesn't have to miss much (or any). I'm tempted to think about the September holidays too, but I'm not sure if it's a good idea for DS1 to miss so much of his first school year? So much to consider!