you should have rated recovery points front and rear, some max trax or similar is always a good idea on sand. You should also carry at minimum a snatch strap and a couple of D shackles. When you are coming to a stop, roll, don't brake. Try to stay in the tracks of others, closer to the water is usually much firmer.
Factory tires will be more than fine, just make sure you drop the air pressure to about 16 - 18 psi.
Sydney Jeep Club is a good little club to join, but as a member i am sort of biased
I buy most of my new stuff from SBR Offroad. They have great prices, support and service (they also sponsor AJOR, but that is just a bonus). As for what, it is all about personal preference,