AusBonsai

Definitely agree with the points made about "digging". Time/effort are greater than reward it seems. As mentioned above, I'd feel guilty enough buying a tree and chopping it, let alone doing it in a protected area. I was considering going out and digging up Hawthorn, or other "weeds" only though. Anyway I've spent the last few nights after work in family member's backyards, air-layering nice branches (let's hope I did it well enough). Daylight savings is a wonderful thing!

Nishiki's nursery will be added to my ever growing list of places to check out haha.
Parting with $50 is totally fine Nick, by "cheap" I was meaning....bonsai that aren't $300/$400/$500.

Many thanks again for all of the advice- as a beginner its much appreciated knowing you're all so willing to share your expertise!
Steve.

have you tried a drive to the dandenongs....bought some advanced potted stuff cheap awhile ago, althought they have been bought out last time i was there and did not get access to "out the back"....but there are heaps of native nurserys you can find good examples at...i bought 7 brachychitons in werribee south the other day