Rugby: Ireland coach Declan Kidney made a flying visit to Australia today to get a head start on preparations for his team's tour Down Under next year.

Ireland will get a first-hand look at the Wallabies when they lock horns at Croke Park next month but Kidney is already looking ahead to their one-off test in Brisbane next June.

He spent eight hours in the Queensland state capital inspecting facilities on a whirlwind logistical tour he hopes will give the Six Nations champions the edge over Australia.

The Wallabies have struggled this season, finishing bottom of the Tri-Nations, but Kidney said he would not fall into the trap of being complacent.

"I'd be more than wary. If it is going against you it builds the hunger, it builds the resilience," he said.

"The margin between winning and losing is just so thin.

"A little bit of luck could be the difference in one or two results, depending on how injuries go."