So, I was told that I should plan on my visa (once the Aussie gov receives it) taking about a month to get confirmed... and it was this whole dilemma because I thought I was going to need to book a flight in faith (w/o my visa). 

All my visa forms were sent in on August 27th and confirmed by September 1st! I HAVE MY AUSSIE VISA!!!!!!!! Flights have since been booked! I'm flying out on September 21st.

Sooooo stoked and yet soooo not looking forward to saying "bye" to people here.