Hiya
Firstly, may I suggest that you post in one of the topics you've already started if it relates to the same question, as this does
Anyway, the information regarding the release dates we have so far is available here:
http://www.shipsim.com/ShipSimForum/index.php/topic,944.0.html
There is also a great deal of additional information on Ship Simulator 2008 in the FAQ's and Announcements section
There are no Australian areas to sail in, I'm not sure if any are planned for the future. Only time will tell I guess
Regards.
DJM.