We sent our application to CIC, Sydney on 23rd August and it arrived at CIC on 30th August. We had confirmation from our bank that our draft was cashed on 15th September. London is our visa office.
As for transcripts my wife and I both attended the same University so we got them to send us the transcripts together in a sealed envelope. We never opened this so no idea what was actually in it!
Hope this helps,
Wayne.