I considered the move years ago and I might be moving towards it again. I scoured every thread on
www.saaustralia.org back in the day and started reading there again recently. I also considered the 189 visa back then, but the estimates were 12-18 months before it's granted, which is too long for me.
Apparently you can do a 457 (which guarantees work when you land there) and apply for the 189 when you're there. The 189 is granted within 3-6 months if you're already living and working is Aus. The visa fees are also less of an issue, due to the $ being worth more there and the fees won't seem as exhorbitant there.