It is a 60 day tourist visa, not a 3 month tourist Visa. When the Consulate issues the visa, you must enter the country before the Visa expires, anytime within the 3 month period. You will be stamped in for your 60 day visa on arrival into Thailand. Once in the country, you can apply for a 30 day extension of stay (not a visa).
You should go well before your due date. At least a week or more, to be on the safe side. Leaving it until the last minute is asking for trouble, if there any issues with your documents.
If you apply for an OA Multiple entry visa, you can show AUD 54,545 in an Australian account (which is a lot more than 800K THB). For a NON O (retirement) visa obtained in Oz, you need to show AUD 2000. If you will obtain a Non O visa based on being over 50, in Thailand and then a 1 year extension of stay, you will need to transfer 800k into a Thai bank account.