We have developed a wavelet version of Forsyth's coherence method for estimating the effective elastic thickness (Te) of the lithosphere from gravity and topography. We have previously shown that the 'fan' wavelet is particularly well suited to making localised coherence estimates and here we progress the method by showing how the coherence can be modelled by using the wavelet transforms of gravity and topography to infer the initial loads that flex the plate. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated on synthetic data from a model having a rectangular area of large Te embedded in a uniform low Te surrounding, and a load ratio that increases with wave number. The results for the Australia region show a 'core' of high Te under north and central Australia, with much lower values to the east and also, unexpectedly, under the western parts of the Yilgarn and Pilbara cratons.