First thing that was bought for me was a Tasco 4 inch refractor on a terrible alt az mount (you know the type). But from a backyard in Paddington (in the MIDDLE of Sydney), and with Northern Hemisphere directions, I was lucky to see the moon, and thats all. Way to end your enthusiasm.
First thing
I bought (40 years later) was a 6 inch Newtonian on an EQ mount. Now living in Central Coast of NSW, where you can see the milky way and Magellanic Clouds, it was a happier experience, and soon led to an expensive path down the road of aperture and more expensive scopes along the way.
(Please excuse my going on But ... ) The second thing I bought was more important - a bunch of Southern Hemisphere orientated Astronomy books.
(one of which even led me to IceInSpace website)
