Stu, keep up the great questions. As a noobie too, i'm learning from what you're asking! The Book, "Astronomy Australia 2010" has been very helpful for me, along with a sky computer programme such as starry skies, which i print and take out with me for specific targets, and a planisphere. Comet Wild is looming around at the moment next to Saturn in Virgo- give that a shot. Around 11 (qld time) it's up about 38deg.
There are amazing clusters (wishing well, jewel box, and pearl) around Crux and Carina. Not to forget the Carina Nebula.