Hi Lacertilian
Welcome to IIS
Easiest galaxy for an unguided DOB would (IMO) by
Centaurus A or NGC 5128, a prominent galaxy in the constellation of Centaurus.
Star Hopping:
Start at the star alpha centauri (the pointer to the Southern cross).
Now move out to the bright globular cluster Omega Centaurus.
(Bright naked eye glob)
Now move the same amount in the same line and you will find the galaxy Centaurus A (aka The Hamburger).
Other DSO easy to find are TUC47 (on the edge of the small magellenic cloud)
and The Tarantula nebula (on the edge of the large Magellenic Cloud).
I am sure other will chime in with other favourites.