Can't help you with your intent to race, but here's a few training ride links to help you out:
http://theclimbingcyclist.com/ - AWESOME site for climbs around Melbourne. I live in the eastern suburbs so I hit up the Dandenongs quite often.
http://www.cyclingtipsblog.com/bunch-ri ... rne-rides/ - some good links and info on this page also. The "North Road Ride" starting at 6am seems right down your alley too.
If you're after a hilly smash-fest, check out the 'Alpine Tour De Burbs' too - starting from the Yarra Boulevard / Chandler Highway on Thursday evenings (about 5-6km from the city) - it is usually a fast-paced affair through the undulating terrain of the eastern suburbs. I've seen pelotons of 40+ on a nice summer evening and I've heard it attracts A-grade racers too...
Welcome to Melbourne anyway, there's plenty of cycling options down this way, so I'm sure you'll fit in just fine