Hi Marshall,
Welcome iceinspace! It's great you checked here before buying a telescope. It's important to get advice before buying one. I would suggest you avoid equatorial mounts for your first scope. They are great for photography but complicated to set up. You want something that is easy and fun to use. I think a small dobsonian is the best way to go. You can probably get a 150mm telescope for that money like this one:
http://www.bintel.com.au/Telescopes/...oductview.aspx
You may be able to find something like that closer to where you live and save postage. I am sure someone else can recommend a shop in WA.
Good Luck!
Rod