This is a brilliant thread, and given me a good list of targets to try. I've been visually observing for 6 months or so and I've certainly gravitated to DSOs. Didn't think it would the case when I started. Jupiter left me (and still does) mesmerized and high powers on the moon just frankly scared me!
I am still struggling with galaxies though
. Just can't pick them out. I can make out sombrero and andromeda when it's high enough (30degrees max in Darwin). But little else, try and try with the pin wheel without avail....what to do...so I've gravitated to nebula and globulars. I'm using a c925 with and without a focal reduced. Maybe just the wrong optics??.
Northern suburbs of Darwin are good as compared to the big cities down south, but certainly not dark.