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I'm assuming first that you have your visa issue sorted. If it isn't, you really need to look into that because that is far more difficult than most people expect.
Second, in answer to your questions, you'll likely have to put down the 1st month's rent, a deposit equal to one month's rent, a small credit check/application fee. So you should budget at least two months worth of rent. Some places ask for first and last month's rent, plus a deposit (so 3 month's worth of rent).
Most utilities won't require a deposit if you have good credit. I don't think your Australian credit rating will carry over (i.e you'll be starting from scratch here, unless you are a USC) so you might have some small deposits for utilities (unless you rent a place that has utilities included in the rent).
Visa/job stuff is well underway but especially being a new grad, I want to make sure my savings etc are in order before I come
As a recent grad, my recommendation would be to live in a group house in DC. It can really jump start meeting folks, learning the city, etc, to be with a group of others just out of college doing the same thing. Because of housing prices in DC, group houses are very common for recent college grads (it is almost a rite of passage to living in DC).
Visas are a huge problem. I cannot emphasize this enough. Most people who think they are going to be able to get a visa cannot. Hope you have a good lawyer or solid job offer already to sort that out.
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