I have just moved to Perth from NZ and started work and uni. Getting rego is pretty cheap here - like $75 for the year, and mine was processed in a week. If you already have insurance in sydney, wont that be valid for WA as well? So that is pretty hastle free.

Getting around in perth without a car can be a pain, so I reckon I would live on site or close to transport links. Accomo is easy but relatively expensive, www.gumtree.com/perth is a where I found my place.

Perth is fun, pretty chilled out, probably a good place to be to crack into some masters study. I dont know how full on uni will be but if you want work, I have found there is always a bit of weekend or evening work going, you just have to get some contacts here.

Good luck. Hope this is helpful.
Anna