Hello Circuskid,
You just so must go to
http://www.cannonsgreatescapes.net/about.html
All of us who are into this art go here. They are a wonderful company and they will have all that you need, dream of, and imagine and more. They ship quick, they are reputeable, and they very helpful for your personal needs as you develop in this art. I personally have been very pleased with them and all that I have bought there.
There is just oh so much for you to explore. Naturally, chains and locks along with ropes will be the easiest things to start with. And then, once you decide where you want to go, you can branch off into handcuffs, straight jackets, and then all the advanced stuff just as barrels, cages, and so on. Start small, determine what you like, and then go from there.
The key thing is to practice. A lot. Read, study, watch dvd's and actually practice as much as you can.
The company I sent you the information on is here in California so it's a tad bit away from the Land Down Under but they do have some wonderfu handcuffs from your neck of the woods if that is where your interests lead.
There are not too many books on ropes and chains but a few here and there. But as for handcuffs and locks, goodness, it is a huge and exciting field of study.
Love,
Amanda Angeli