If you're Melbourne based, why not join one of the societies and take advantage of a loan telescope scheme, or head out to a star party and chat to some folks?
I've been playing with binos for a few months, and now, having had the opportunity to chat to some people and learn about advantages and disadvantages, feel like I've made the right decisions re: buying a scope, which mount to buy, etc etc. The biggest lesson I've learnt is that not only are astro folk very friendly, they LOVE to show off their gear
Mishku