Extended tourist visas for non-EU citizens

Hi, I wanted to know if it is possible to apply for an extended tourist visa, my situation is that I plan to move to Australia in December, I decided that I wanted to briefly experience life in Germany for a while before I go to Oz. Is it possible for me to get a tourist or residency VISA to stay in Germany for six months? I have the financial resources, or at least I think I do. Someone had told me that all you would need is some proof of health insurance and money to get a residency permit. Does anyone have any information? It would be greatly appreciated.

There seems to be plenty of relevant information on Extending a 90-day non-EU tourist visa. Maybe you haven't had the opportunity to read it all, even though one of the most recents posts on the thread is one of your own.