Hi Chris and
Venus is to the west-northwest and is the brightest star in the sky. You can't miss it. If your out under the night sky for any length of time you will see a few to many "shooting stars" (meteors). Most are very small pieces of rock and dust or cometary debris. When trying to find your direction, hold both your arms straight out to your side with your right hand pointing to where the sun went down. You will be facing south. At around 27 degrees above the south-southwest horizon will be the southern cross. As cahullian says you'll see the two pointer stars pointing towards the horizon towards it. About two and a half clench fists held at arms length above the hoizon.
Enjoy your viewing and come back often