Hi Cath. Welcome to the world of soapers! I learned CP at a hands on workshop, years ago. I have now added M&P to my addiction. Making soap is so creative and satisfying. The best place to source anything you need for soaping is
http://www.aussiesoapsupplies.com.au/They are a West Aussie company, and have a huge range of soaping and skin care products. They also have many pages of recipes and information on soaping. I discovered them about 3 months ago, and still haven't checked out all their pages. (I have spent a lot of money on their products, though!) Take a look, and see what you think. They do sell M&P kits for beginners, so that might be the place to start - unless you want CP. That's a bit more complicated, but very enjoyable to do, despite the frustrations that go with it. Don't let me put you off, it's a wonderful hobby or business. I
LOVE it!!
PS Aussie Soaps are on holiday for 2 weeks from tomorrow, but that will give you plenty of time to browse before you commit to anything. Whereabouts in Oz are you?