G'day Chris,
Don't forget to post the after crash pictures,
I'm sure you will try alone, Simulators may help, but there is NO substitute for the real thing, can a sim set up your plane, make sure your engine is tuned so it won't stop & soon as the throttle is opened for take off, can it allow for you to get disoriented & give the wrong stick movement & not have any idea how to correct it.
Can a sim teach you to fly in wind, & take over when you get to the overload point?
Can a sim stop you from flying too far away, & then having no idea which way the plane is going, & so you can't get it back to the field, then your engine stops & you CRASH.
Can a sim trim your plane for you, if you do get it into the air, the answer to all the above is NO!!!!!!!!
Does the sim have insurance, so that if you hit something or someone, it won't cost you thousands in compensation?
There are plenty of clubs in Victoria, & the instuctors don't charge to help you learn to fly, but hobby shops do charge for replacemant planes & parts.
Where in Vic are you?
Check out this site, it's the Victorian Model Aeronautical Association, it will help you find a club near you.
http://www.vmaa.com.au/content/intro/getstart.php

Sorry to go on so much, but I am an instructor & I have seen people try on there own, some with Sims & some without, & they have no idea how much knowledge they need just to get the plane ready for take-off, let alone fly it.