So you guys are causing this
I find the largest improvement in skies for the shortest drive is out to the Lockyer Valley, and in particular to Mark Hodson's place.
My backyard is just passable, whereby I can just make out the Magellanic clouds when they are high and there is no moon. When I want really dark skies I head out to Leyburn (~2 hours drive) to the SAS observing field. PM me if you want to catch up and keep an eye out for advertised starparties. We advertise the get togethers out at Mark's place under the heading of Glenore Grove. You can check out previous party reports searching for "grove"