If you're scoping out dark skies, it's worth checking out the light pollution maps:
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/63-404-0-0-1-0.html
I think the QLD Astro Society people travel out to a site in Leyburn? Perhaps you could join them.
Figuring out all the bits and pieces in the backyard first is a great idea. When it just doesn't seem to work, you can 'cheat' and just turn on the flood light to see what you're doing
Btw, you may want to check out this package that's just been offered in the classifieds (Brisbane-based to boot):
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=85008