if you'd like to live a normal life in australia, or something close to it, you'd want a work visa. It allows you to work for up to 6 months with an employer (after which you just change employers) on a part time or casual basis. You're allowed to drive on an international license for 3 months I think.
Most people who travel with no work visa do cash jobs and no paper trail... but then you won't be covered by OHS laws etc if something happens to you at work.
Talk to your local Australian embassy, they should be able to give you all the options, paperwork etc.
After your year is over, you can fly back, apply and come back. Basically you become an illegal immigrant after overstaying your visa you get taken out to a detention camp in the middle of the australian outback, stripped and raped by big samoan/maori guys.
ok maybe I made that last bit up, they don't strip you.