[Liz]

Hey Luke ... am sure a few more replies will come in as people get home from work There are quite a few Astronomy Clubs in Melbourne
Sounds like you are doing the right things, in reading up on Astronomy. Have you some star charts?
Stellarium is a great free software program too. Once you put Melbourne in, it will show you where Mars and Saturn are in the night sky, and much more.
There is a lot to learn, and you find your way among the main constellations and their beautiful stars.