Just wanted to update to say thank you to all who contributed advice. I ended up getting a 10" GSO Dobsonian from Andrews in Sydney (all up about $850 including shipping, collimater and Barlow lens). Unfortunately shipping was delayed due to Easter period and I missed the lunar eclipse but otherwise I have been happy with the purchase.
I was amazed that the first night I was able to unpack and commence stargazing thanks to the awesome tutorials Chris from the BAS gave me on his 10" dob. He must have a real knack for explaining things because somehow I remembered it all and in no time I was checking out Saturn and the moon and very impressed with the results. Definitely quite a big piece of equipment but it does go in the car.
Thanks again to the all the nice people on this forum. Happy stargazing.
