Migration options/advice?

Hi everyone,

Firstly, I apologise for the length of this post - there's a lot on my mind at the moment, so please bear with me!

So, my name's Rich, I'm 27 and I'm looking at migrating to Australia next July/August. I've been thinking about moving for a few years, and have finally decided to make that move if I can but right now I'm looking for any kind of advice to enable me to prepare as much as I can.

My plan had been to originally move over on a sponsored 457 visa having spent time looking for a job whilst still over here in the UK, however I've come to the conclusion having read a few articles and posts that I would be better off searching for a sponsored job when I am actually out there. Therefore I am planning to go out to Australia on a working holiday visa, so I can work and still enjoy myself whilst looking for a job that will sponsor me.

So, first question - am I being realistic in my approach? I'm aware that sometimes this approach doesn't always work out but should my main efforts be focused on this? Unfortunately my job role here in the UK (IT Technical Specialist) doesn't fall into any of the roles listed on the SOL so I can't progress a GSM visa application under my own steam (to my knowledge anyway).

In addition, I also have an Australian girlfriend here in the UK who is having to move back to Australia as her visa expires in February next year (her going back just happens to coincide with my plan to move out later in the year). We haven't been living together in the UK due to tenancy obligations which I know would put us at a disadvantage when it comes to pursuing a partner temporary visa. We'd also have been together well over a year when I get to Australia.

Second question - My girlfriend was told by her work colleague that having a joint bank account with me whilst here in the UK would be of benefit for any defacto partner visa I apply for, however because we don't live together and she has less than 4 months left in the UK is it really worth it? My thoughts are no at this point.

The plan would be to live together once I am in Australia and look to set up a joint bank account, I've got a feeling that this would still be thwarted by the powers that be because we cannot prove our relationship outside of Australia aside from countless photos, testimonials from friends and relatives, and the odd letter addressed to the both of us (nothing official unfortunately). Am I right to think that we'd still face problems on this front as we can't (officially) prove our relationship was "serious" outside of Australia?

So, I guess I'm just looking for any advice, links or assistance really as I feel a little overwhelmed with it all at the moment!

Many thanks,

Rich