Just did a cyber practice exam and got asked a question about obstacle free area gradients (CWLA_107). To the best of my knowledge this is specified in CAAP 92-1 and I'm guessing the CASR neither of which are permitted documents for the CPL exam. I'm I correct in my thinking or have I missed a massive section of the AIP

No you haven't missed anything. ALAs and obstacle free gradients are indeed handled by CAAP 92-1 which is just an advisory document to help pilots satisfy the requirements of CAR 92-A.

CAR 92-A only says you can land anywhere as long as "having regard to all the circumstances of the proposed landing or take‑off (including the prevailing weather conditions), the aircraft can land at, or take‑off from, the place in safety". Not much practical advice there, hence the CAAP.

As you suspected, you won't get specifics on the attributes of ALA's in the exam because you won't have the CAAPs as a reference. However, it's quite an important topic and you should make sure you're aware of it for your real-life flying.

Cheers,

Rich

Good to know that I'm not supposed to have committed all the CAAPs to memory

Have been trying to read through all the documents in an effort to improve my overall knowledge, imagine some of it may come in handy for flight-test orals and, dare I say it, interviews....

Hmmm.. Should have read the CAAP on Maintenance Releases better

93% overall, let myself down on Airspace Requirements and Procedures (question on entry lanes that still has me baffled as to which could have been the right answer), Transponder use (got a feeling I misread and then misunderstood the question) and Damage and Defect Reporting (again not sure why I got this one wrong).

IREX on Friday and hopefully ATPL Law next week if I can get it booked

Congratulations James! 93% is definitely a respecatable grade. Good luck with the IREX - do let us know how you get on.