Agree with Bobson also on the 8" over the 6" if your budget allows
York Optical, who have a Melbourne store, also carry an 8" Skywatcher @$449
http://www.yorkoptical.com.au/Produc...%2cProductName
It looks like the Skywatchers are still using rack and pinion focusers, though IIRC they are meant to be reasonable quality R&P's