I joined an astronomy club here on the gold coast and am renting an 8inch dob for 10 bucks amonth. I am slowly finding my way around the night sky and intend to catchup with other members for a night viewing at the end of May.
Take your time dont rush have a look through different scopes and get advice on correct eyepieces that will suit you and you may save sum serious coin. Heavens above its amazing up there.