Yep, you guys got chewed up by the ridiculous shipping cost to Australia as well. Even with strengthening Australian $, the final price to one's door will discourage most.
I bought two earlier in the year and they are great. I think they cost me about AU$55 each. They are really worth about AU$30 each but have been good as educational items. They don't perform too badly as little telescopes.
If you had found a way to get them down to AU$25-30 to my door, I would have jumped in for some more. But it won't happen unless the USD collapses against the Aussie.
Here are some threads for you to check out and share with the guys on the other forum:-
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=41528
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=47260
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=47223
http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthrea...22#Post3379342
http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthrea.../5#Post3388487
ps. I'm holding one in my avatar (with a few extra bits added).