I would say that it is safe to go providing that there are no signs that labour is imminent. It would be unlikely, although not imposable, that you would give birth 2 hours after the first contraction. The symptoms you have now could go on for another week or so.
I was more worried about having to do 2 hours of labour in the car back to Adelaide! Ialso don't fancy taking my chances with the local hospital up there - heard some not so good stuff, so we've decided to stay in Adelaide, which DH is more than happy with as the surf is pretty good this weekend!

I wanted to query with you Alan as well something that a nurse my mum works with, who used to be a mw, but that was 5+ years ago - anyway, she seemed to remember that once the baby was engaged, they didn't recommend long car trips because of the position of the pelvis and it could be bad for the baby's circulation. SHe did say to check it out with someone currently practising. WDYT?