We are hoping to buy a property we have visited in Perth, in advance of moving here in 2 years time (my partner has an Australian passport).

Can anyone advise on best way to transfer cash to Australia?
Do we need to open an Australian bank account?
What are the usual property payment laws - ie timescale rules after purchase agreement? - possibly an issue with regard to getting best exchange rates

Many thanks for your advice

if you have a look at the britishexpats.com site there is quite a few threads on banking in Oz, and how to go about opening an account from here, there's HSBC and Commonwealth bank.
hope this helps