Ha ! Just across the pond in New Zealand we do now get some optics cheaper now then in Australia.
My high grade Skywatcher Equinox ED120 OTA cost me $NZ 2700 which is approx. $A 2170.
The Equivalent Orion EON ED120 is $A 3400 at Bintel. The 'lower level' Skywatcher Black Diamond ED120 are around the $A 3000 range as noted above.
Even in the USA the Orion EON ED120 is $US 1800 the equivalent of $NZ 2450.
The Equinox / Orion EON ED120's are approx 30% more then the standard Black Diamond ED120 so a Equinox ED120 for $A 2170 is extremely good value.
For some reason - exchange rates etc. the Equinox ED120 is particularly inexpensive in N.Z.
They are available on order from the below site. Even with shipping / duty etc. it may work out cheaper to get one shipped over to Australia. I am not aware if the Skywatcher Equinox ED120 is available in Oz. The Orion EON ED120 is.
http://www.southerncameras.co.nz/cat...?categoryid=17
Chris