GAL1LEO,
Have you looked into AU groups like BirdLife? They have events all over, including Queensland. I bet you could join a mailing list or something and arrange to try out a few bins with their members. There's also many other birding clubs in the area, it seems (
http://www.ausbird.com/bird-clubs-societies/).
I am not sure if you are comfortable buying used. ebay.com.au international lists a few interesting pairs, mostly shipping from UK. Zeiss 8x42 FL (AU$1549), Zeiss Victory SF 8x42 (AU $2644 - $2,736), Leica Ultravid HD 8x42 (bid AU $1,003.88). Some of those will accept offers. I'm not vouching for any of those, just listing them as examples.
I've bought used Zeiss before, and they have been excellent about cleaning and servicing them for free, even when one needed to be sent back to Germany for a focuser repair (Zeiss Victory HT 10x42). At least that's Zeiss USA. I've also bought used Swaro ELs, but they did not need service. The HT's were about 50% off, but after I sent them to Zeiss for repair the came back like new. The Swaro EL Fpro had some insignificant scratches on the hinge, and were 25% off.
Also, when you talk with the retailers, ask them if they will be at any birding or optics events. Often you can get a group of resellers and manufacturers all in one place where you can try in more of a field setting. I am not sure if that is a thing where you are.
I'll kick in some opinion too. If you will just have one pair, 8x42 is probably a good size. 8x32 is nicer for hiking, but if you want brighter and easier to use, 8x42 is likely it. I always use a bin harness around the shoulders.
Some people strongly prefer the lighter weight of an 8x32 and have fewer shakes with it, so end up with a sharper view. In terms of quality, some people will instantly see optical differences between a US$500 vs US$1000 vs US$2000 binocular. Others not so much. Unfortunately, the only way to know, for you personally, if the marginal improvements is with the larger and larger price is to try them.
I've found for me, I do notice the differences and appreciate the quality of the Zeiss HT (10x42) and Swaro EL FieldPro (8.5x42). I also use the Kowa Genesis 8x33 and Leica 8x20, depending on how small I want to pack. When I'm carrying camera gear with a big lens, I almost always use the 8x33 or 8x20. If I had to pick just one, it would most likely be the Swaro EL FP 8.5x42. The Zeiss HT is a close second.
I've not tried the Zeiss SF or the Nikon MGH or the Swaro SLC.
Marc