Thanks for all your replies. I'll try them all out. I think my telescope is working fine? I was able to view the moon and see it very detailed. It's just when I move it to any bright star, I just see tiny pin white dots. No galaxies, nebulas, etc.
I think it might well be light pollution, as I have never been able to see arms of the milkyway from this location. I live in QLD, will try to find a local astro club to join.