Best option may be to join the ASV (Astronomical Society of Victoria:
http://www.asv.org.au/), enroll in the NAG (New Astronomers Group), and borrow one of their loan scopes for 3 months (normally Bintel/GSO 8" Dobsonians with several eyepieces). Outlay is a $60 bond, or which $50 is refunded when scope is returned in good condition. It's a great deal.
If your keen to jump right in a purchase straight away, the cheapest I would recommend is a 6" Dob with basic accessories for around $299 from:
- Bintel...good prices & service/advice (
https://www.bintelshop.com.au/welcome.htm)
- or Andrews Comms...good prices (
http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-section-10.htm)
2nd hand is another option, but involves some slight risk and requires you to hunt/wait for the right opportunity to arise.
A better option (depending on your requirements, and if your pockets are deep enough) may be to go for an 8" Donsonian with accessories for around $429 new .... or cheaper if you can hunt/wait for 2nd hand.
Here's a link to a great thread/guide by Brian Nolan (
Miaplacidus) titled "General Principles for Choosing your first Telescope".
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/index.p...63,260,0,0,1,0
Cheers.