If you hold a full UK driver's licence, you are able to drive the class of motor vehicle (Not Heavy Vehicles or Buses) that you are authorised to drive under that licence for the life of that licence. This only applies if you are not an Australian citizen, or you have not been granted a permanent visa or a special category visa, that is if you are just visiting.

If you are an Australian citizen, or permanent resident you are only authorised to drive in Australia under your foreign driver licence for three months. The three month period begins EITHER:

When you take up residence in Australia; or
When you are granted a permanent visa or a special category visa.

 So basically if you hold a current full UK car license you can apply for a drivers licence of the same class as your UK licence. Due to recent changes in the Australian licensing laws, UK license holders are now exempt from the practical driving test, but you will need to comply with the following:

Produce your valid foreign licence and supporting evidence of identity.
Provide evidence of residence; (Visa In Passport)
Complete an application, which includes a medical declaration
Pass an eyesight test or make a declaration (*)
Pass a Written Test, of approx 30 multiple-choice questions or you may not be requires to a test.(*)
Complete all the above within the stated timeframe
Note: (*) Each State or Territory does vary, please check.

You should carry your driving license (whether Australian or overseas) with you at all times.

If you are a permanent resident visa holder and have a current driver's licence from another country, in English or with an official translation, you are allowed to drive for your first three months after arrival.

After the three months, if you want to drive, you will need to have the appropriate driver's licence. This will usually require you to pass a knowledge test, a practical driving test, and an eyesight test. In Australia, drivers' licences are issued by state and territory governments.

The table below provides contact details for each state and territory