Application for Visa for entry 7th October leave 18th December 2013.

I will be at Braidwood NSW from 22nd August, very close to Canberra, at the time I should be applying for it. Is it possible to apply for it at Canberra or must I apply through Sydney? I am rather loathe to post my Passport as I have lost one in the post in the past causing me all sorts of problems. I travel a lot and use a Sydney address for mail forwarding. Thank you.