Got Stellarium on my PC already. Been using it to try and match what I can see in Brisbane night skies. Seems like ill be waiting a few months before I can get a decent telescope. I had a look on this site and ozscopes.com (also recommended by people here
) and it seems either a 6 or 8" Dobsonian is the way to go.
Budget is $500.
And thankies for your welcome Brent and Graeme. Oh and due to my working hours (during the weekdays and SAT NIGHTS) I wont be joining any local astronomy clubs. Bit of a bummer, but not much I can do there (short of getting another job).