I've been drawing for most of my life. I began drawing anime at about 11 and been practicing since. I usually draw without references; I'm somewhat of a perfectionist, so when I use a reference it takes me AGES just to get a drawing done :P And I used to have tons of problems with colouring and shading. But then I did a few years study in fine arts at University.
Australia is fine, depending on where and when you go. I live in Western Australia, which is fine for most of the year. The summers here can be harsh though. Dry and hot, which I really don't like. But we have do have some decent beaches!