Hey Cameron,
Welcome to IIS!
It might be a good idea to list the issues you are having with the Celestron 8SE as I am quite sure there are many users on here who can help with the setup issues you have.
I had to laugh about scouting around for a dark site, considering where you live, Kalgoorlie....
, although I know the mines out that way are 24hr affairs so that must be a bugger....
I was out at that way visiting a gold mine for work last week and I dont think I saw one streetlight the whole time I was there, even the skies in Perth seemed inky black compared to the sludge I have to look through in Sydney.
The golden rule here (yes, that WAS a pun) is to ask as many questions as you want, the only silly question is the one that isnt asked.
Good luck with it all, I am sure we can help sort out the issues and get your excitement levels back up.
Cheers
Chris