Yes Annie, the 8" reflector on a Dobsonian mount is a great way to go. Most suppliers offer a "delux" or "premium" option which gives you additional options that really help - eg. some offer a right angle finder, a mirror cooling fan, and a 10:1 fine focusser.
You would be in the $500-550 range (scope price).
Don't be confused by the names - most of these are GSO scopes (from the Guan Sheng Optical company) or other Chinese manufacturers and some are given local badging.
Obviously, an issue for you will be cheap and safe shipping, in addition to being able to obtain good advice from the supplier over the phone (I'm sure you'll have questions after you set it up). I notice that Andrews Communications are still offering free freight Australia-wide on a number of their scopes, including Skywatcher reflector dobsonians. Call the suppliers and see what sort of response you get over the phone - ask about after-sales support, particularly over the phone.
However, take a breath and slow down - buy a copy of a local magazine - Australian Sky & Telescope, or Sky & Space (I hope some copies of the first are still in your Newsagent, they can both sell out quickly after issue) - the major suppliers advertise there and you can get a good sense of the range and prices.
Now, if you are looking at reflectors on a Dobsonian base, here are the things to compare:-
* Diameter of Mirror
* Focal length (from these two you can calculate the f ratio - eg. an 8" (202mm) with a 1200mm focal length is an (1200/202=6) f6 scope)
* Type of focusser (You are looking for a "Crayford" type, if possible the option of one with a 10:1 fine focussing capability)
* Eyepieces (Most supply a range of 2, 3, 4 or maybe even 5 basic but satisfactory eyepieces that get you started - whether 2" diameter or 1.25" diameter doesn't matter) Magnification will be the scope focal length divided by the eyepiece focal length - eg. 1200/15 = 80x.
* Price, including delivery costs
There are various subtle differences after this, most of which aren't a great issue for most people (eg. colour of scope or how friction is applied to the tube unit to stop it tilting down or up with different eyepiece weights).
After you buy, ask here for tips on how to avoid problems (eg. checking the teflon bearings to ensure the staples are well seated so they don't cause damage. Also ways to improve the movement of the scope in the azimuth and altitude directions.)
Expect to have to spend another couple of hundred dollars over time to get some accessories - redlight torch, planisphere, suitable chair, some star maps/atlases, a collimation aid, some filters.
Then you start on the slippery road of buying better eyepieces, barlow lenses - eeek!
Let us know your final short list of options, tell us exactly what you want to achieve with the scope and we'll give you a range of differing and confusing views to make it simple for you to decide!
Eric
Hello! Uumm, I really want to get a telescope to see ALL sorts of things! Started with cameras and binoculars and didn't get as technical as you guys (WOW - I'm actually blown out by how far one can go into this!) mainly due to finances etc at the time, and years later, I want a telescope as I live in an amazing place where I can see some BRILLIANT skies (Albany,WA) and would love to investigate it further and I have always had a passion for the "heavens" and the moon. I have researched quite a bit and probably could go and buy something (from all the various website pages advice I have visited) that would be O.K but... I thought I'd seek your opinions first. I have about $500Au to spend. What do you think I should get and any recommendations. I have looked at York Optical, ebay,AOE and other places. I'm looking at a Saxon Dobsonian Refractor F8, 9x50 finderscope, 1.25" plossl eyepiecesa $459.00 - any good???? 
Evening All!!
