bono, You might get some more info here, but why not combine Binocular viewing with t'scopes? We all do! There's lots of "local" Societies & clubs >
http://www.sasi.net.au
Sutherland Astro. Society.
www4.tpgi.com.au/users/wsaag
Western Sydney Group
www.nsas.org.au
Northern Sydney Astro. Soc.
www.sydneycityskywatchers.asn.au
Sydney City.(B.A.A.).
A bit further south you get us,
http://www.users.bigpond.com/paul.b
The W.A.A.C.ers. (Wollongong Amateur Astronomy Club).
HTH.
L.