How to bring money to Australia

I am leaving for Australia in two weeks, and now I need to decide how I will bring all my money with me. I need advice on this, because I would like to make the best out of currency exchange rates and hopefully spend as little on commisions or fees. Basically, my options are: exchange canadian cash to Australian here, where I'll probably get the best rate, then open a bank account in Sydney, or I can get traveller's cheques, or I can leave part of my money here in my bank account and transfer it later, or a combination of these.

Also, I heard that products cost alot more in Australia than we are used to in Canada. Since I am leaving for up to a year, is there anything worth stocking up on and packing that will save me considerable money ?

Ice hockey gear in Australia costs about double what it costs in Canada, so bring a few sticks.

I'd bring over enough money to get you started out the first few weeks or month. Then once you have a bank account here I would transfer over the rest.

We used Ozforex. Their exchange rate was way better than the banks. Just as easy to use too.

What kind of things would you stock up on? Are you shipping your stuff over here?

I can't think of anything that is way more expensive except for hockey equipment. I find appliances more expensive and possible some designer north american clothing. But as long as you're not overly picky about things then you probably won't notice too big a difference.

If you're already shipping things over then by all means stock up on a few things. I've found computers to be more expensive and it is something that you could buy in Canada and it would work here.