arielle, you don't need to do a course to get your reptile keepers license. All you need to is fill out the license application and send it off to NPWS with some money, and within a month you should have your class 1 Reptile Keepers license! It is really that simple, though there are a few beginner reptile keeper courses in Sydney if you really desire to do one. Though any decent breeder should be able to give you all the right info on how to house, feed and care for your new snake.
As for a first snake, it really depends what you want. Would you like a smaller sized snake or a larger sized snake? Some of the best beginner snakes are from the Antaresia family (which include Children's Pythons, Spotted Pythons and Stimson's Pythons), and snakes from the Morelia spilota family (this includes your Diamond pythons, Coastal Carpet pythons, Jungle Carpet pythons, Inland Carpet pythons etc). Your Antaresia family will generally grow to about 4ft in length, being a fairly small snake. Where as your Carpet pythons will grow up to 8ft in length depending on which species you decide to keep, as the different sub species grow to different lengths.
If you are interested, I do have some hatchling Coastal carpet pythons available at the moment. If you'd like anymore info feel free to PM me.
Kane