An 8" SCT is a very capable galaxy hunting scope.
I've just got my hands on an old orange tube C8, and did a "first light" write up in the Obs. forum:
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=72842
In it I describe observing M104, the Sombrero Galaxy. I had my first light with this C8 from my home in Sydney, so Geelong skies shouldn't be as nasty.
There are a mass of galaxies coming up this month you can try for, all within easy grasp of an 8" scope. Especially in the constellations Leo and Virgo, including many double and triple groupings. The current March Obs. Challenge lists several of these:
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=72597
You can first try locating them with as low a power EP as you have. You can then try upping the magnification as this helps lower the background sky glow, making the faint fuzzies a little easier to see.
Mental.