We just moved down to Canberra from Syd and had a bad time looking for a rental. Canberra is very bad (for reasons unknown to me becasue it's very dull and there should be an abundance of housing)! anyway, get back to what I was saying...The main thing is that there are alot of people always looking for rentals, dont be scared by that becasue I have seen and known people who just go and have a look from time to time, even though they arnt looking for themselves. The thing to do is obvioulsy look on the many websites for rentals. I have used
www.realestate.com.au and its also good to give this website a call and get on a thing called the "rental bug" being on this will definatley give you an advantage because they will email you the latest rentals,think on a Tues and Fri..thats a useful one..
The other thing is that if you really like a house and the pictures are really good in the website (there has to be pics because if there isnt...dont bother looking and wasting your time) then get all your info together,photo copy everything you have id, wise and take it along with you to each viewing. If its nice, just fill in the application there and then and give them the id, you will have the first application it straight away. If there is competition for the house then bung on another 10 or $20 to the asking per week.This is what we had to do in the end. My boyfriend and I had to be out of our rental in Sydney as people were moving in etc,,real stress!! You will find one,you will love and 6 weeks is plenty,happy hunting and good luck.