The following is my opinion only:
I would recommend the Wedmore SP range of microscopes:
http://www.brunelmicroscopes.co.uk/s...icroscope.html
I have owned the Wedmore SP3 and SP14.
From the UK - good quality, accessories are interchangeable, service and support are excellent. They are good "hobby" instruments, definately not toys, but also not high-grade professional microscopes - you don't need that level of instrument.
I researched for 12 months for the most appropriate instrument. Forget the Astro shops - they sell junk and over priced. Be wary of the EBay microscopes - also mostly junk. Unless you plan to cure cancer or AIDS, forget all the high grade professional instruments - waste of money.
The only Australian supplier I would remotely recommend is
http://aunet.com.au/digital_microscope.htm
In the end I chose the Wedmore range.
Stephen.