we are moving to our new home - it has a completely empty back yard - as it is in Northern Australia I was considering a Balinese style / tropical garden - how do I get started as it is currently just a big empty lot with grass...????

well there are many plants you can use...of course look around at other houses just to get an idea of what type of plants may survive. there are sago palms or king palms, grasses, iris, bird of paradise,banana trees, canna Tropicana and or outdoor decor get fountains that symbolize water falls, use colors for both flowers and decor, such as yellows, reds, oranges, purples, even brownish yellowish colors.

palm tree
orchids
cocunt tree
banana tree
little pool or sprog even a fish pond with running waterin a circle