Yarra city council have a great doc

https://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/-/media/files/ycc/services/planning-and-development/environmentally-sustainable-design/sunshading-factsheet.pdf?la=en

What is the width of the block? Is the garage on the north facing frontage?

10m frontage with garage facing north. So not really favourable

Is the house already built? Or at what stage are you at?

Not built yet! About to draw up some plans

I would suggest a plan with a side entrance. Then you can have the front room next to the garage, open with large north facing windows. Have your staircase at that point as well, with open treads which allows northern light to filter into your home. At the back have large double glazed windows, solar lights or skylights. See the attached render of home and plan as an example of a side entrance. Any combination of rooms down stairs or upstairs, living areas at the front upstairs, or bedrooms. This example is a 10 metre wide block.