Hi Matt,
You could also join the ASV (Astronomical Society of Victoria)
http://asv.org.au/ and borrow one of the loan telescopes, an 8" dob before you buy one. I joined about 12 months ago and signed up to the new astronomers group. When I was researching what scope to get I found two great pieces of advice 1) the best scope will be the one you use, and 2) reflector versus refractor, its does not matter, you will get one of each anyway :-)
Regards Tim.