Wow I didn't dream of getting such great advice!
Jeff, I know it may not be the best idea, but I'm going to buy a scope blind rather than borrow one (it's a bit difficult to get too and from the holiday house with equipment).
Kokatha man, Erik, MikeyB, madtuna, dannat, thanks so much for the comments..
My priority is definitely terrestrial - but the good or bad news is that it is really dark at night (very little light pollution) so an ideal star-gazing situation. I've been reading Brian Nolan's guide - I figure I can get something that will be barely acceptable for celestial viewing - and work on the conceptual side of the hobby anyway - see if the bug sticks
I think the binoculars are a great idea - except personally I can't use them as I have monocular vision - basically my brain can't stitch the two images together correctly so I end up feeling a bit sick..
The spotting scope idea is great, and I've also found a few skywatcher refractors that might be okay (if they are decent quality).
I've had a look at the sites and models recommended and they are great. Here are a few contenders:
Skywatcher SWAT80:
https://www.bintelshop.com.au/Product.aspx?ID=7727 - $295 clearance
http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-section-10.htm
Skywatcher 70 x 500 AZ3 - $199
Skywatcher 70 x 900 EQ1 - $199
or the long perng spotting scope at $149
There is also this astromaster on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....:X:AAQ:AU:1123
I look forward to hearing your advice!