Good first effort Jon.
As far as dark site close to Sydney go have you considered joining the Sutherland Astronomical Society (SASI)? $50 per year is a small price to pay for access to a semi dark site at Waterfall on new moon and 3rd quarter weekends as well as our dark site out at Bargo on new moon Saturday nights. We also have two member only star parties at Mudgee (weekend after Easter) and Wooton, near Taree, about 6 months after Mudgee in the September/October school holidays. The beauty of joining a club is sharing the night sky with other members and looking through their telescopes, picking up tips and tricks and also safety in numbers is valid around Sydney.
If you require more info you can pm me or visit SASI's website
www.sasi.net.au.
Wayne