A n00b's question

[KernelPanic]

Hello peeps,
I have been slowly acquiring  a myriad of experience tearing anything remotely electronic to find out how it worked since the tender age of 5.
I am currently a compSCI student and have a working knowledge of electronics , soldering , etc..
My current dilemma is that i am hoping to setup my home lab to dabble with various electronics projects , and i cannot seem to find any stores in Australia that cater for beginners such as myself.
After a LONG time googleing various establishments i came across adafruit industries in America.

https://www.adafruit.com/products/136

They have a toolkit which seems to be sufficient for someone who is just getting started , trouble is , the shipping cost is almost as much as the kit.
Does anyone know where i can get myself a half decent toolkit locally that won't cost me a king's ransom ?

Thanks in advance

[mobbarley]

Go shop at Jaycar - you can handle the stuff and see what you really need. They have cheap stuff and some more reasonable tools too.

For the tools you won't use so often go to dealextreme and order away - cheap chinese tools with free postage - but the shipping can take 3-5 weeks.

[ipman]

Where are you located? I cannot figure out.
And be aware that the prices sometimes reflect qulity, tough not allways.

[mobbarley]

And of course:

http://www.eevblog.com/2011/04/30/eevblog-168-how-to-set-up-an-electronics-lab/

[metalphreak]

www.jaycar.com.au

www.altronics.com.au

http://littlebirdelectronics.com/ <--- Sparkfun reseller in AU

http://au.element14.com/ <--- free shipping on any online orders over $10. Don't have to be a business, as they gladly set people up on "hobbyist" accounts.

The Duratool and Multicomp brands at Element-14 are you best bet for low cost stuff from there.

Where abouts in Australia are you?

[KernelPanic]

Thanks for the replies guys , at least i know where to look now .
I'm in Sydney  BTW.