Yes take note of what the Australians have said about the electrical system and buy here in Australia. And yes it is true that fabric is dearer here and to buy online from USA is fine but the shipping cost is rather high. But if you are moving here to live for some time then you will find that there are sales on at times and fabic can be much cheaper.
I hope you enjoy living here and contact us when you arrive through this board and we will do our best to make you feel welcome even if we can't meet you in person.
Drue you would have passed by our house while you were here, we live between Adelaide and Williamstown!