Flavius

Going to AUS myself and having similar thoughts. For me it might be 10-24 (definitely best range for vast landscapes), 35 1.4 (low light), 55-200 (animals) and undecided about 18-135 (for short "you never know" trips in a small bag). 18-135 more versatile than 18-55 although I really love the latter as "always on". If not 18-135 then 60 2.4 for macro.

Gorilla Pod seems to be either hated or loved... I love my Gorilla Pod Hybrid. Light weight and very versatile. Limitations should be clear - no heavy weight lenses, bulb exposures possible, depending on favourable circumstances. But at that weight and size more likely to stay in the bag than bigger ones. Of course it is necessary to have a "real" traveller tripod and a heavy duty one. Same as with bags - you will never get the perfect one. And you will have all the lust to eagerly keep on searching for it