Shane!
Dob. Dob dob. Dob dob dob. If you have less than about $2000 to spend on a scope and accessories, buy a Dobsonian. These telescopes give you the most aperture per dollar (with good optics). It sounds like you have terrific skies so I'd be going for a 10 or 12" Dob to make the most of it.
Not a Perth shop but these guys are good to deal with and have GS Dobs truss or solid tube:
www.bintelshop.com.au
For an 8 or 10" solid tube I'd go with a SkyWatcher though:
www.myastroshop.com.au
Let us know what you are willing to spend. If you have lots more to spend, then maybe an 8" Dob is a good starter
--- because it will cost you peanuts, it's a very versatile and mobile scope, and lets you start observing quickly while you're deciding what to spend the bulk of your funds on.
good website?
www.iceinspace.com.au Also lots of resources on
www.cloudynights.com.au
Star atlas: google for Taki's star altas. There are two versions. Detailed and very detailed, or mag 6.5 and mag 8.5.