Moving to Sydney from NZ

My family are moving to sydney and the one thing I'm really worried about is finding the right rental property as we also have a dog. A very well behaved and friendly dog I might add. We want to live on the North Shore around Killara and East Lindfield and would be looking to pay up to $1200 per week. We are probably gonna be renting for two years so want to be sure that the property we rent 'feels' like a home rather than a rental. How long before you plan to start renting should you be looking to apply? Being in NZ its going to be hard to inspect properties. I suppose we would have to come over closer to the moving time and spend a week/two weeks actively looking. Are there any companies that you can employ to do this for you? I suppose like agents who find properties for buyers but for renters instead. Any advise would be really appreciated/