Hi Madsam,
I think (from another post) that you've looked at the government website for visas. We actually used an agent in the UK to do the application for us and that cost a few thousand pounds. Since you are being sponsored by family I'm not sure if that makes it easier.
Check out
www.austimeline.com.au since they have current times for visas (but you do need to know your visa type).
Regards,
Karen