I still have a long way to go before I consider myself wise, I prefer to think of myself as only partially retarded, as opposed to fully retarded.
If you want a good book, then I would recommend
Wilson and Swan 3rd Edition. It has most of the latest species, its easy to read, and has relatively easy diagnostics of species.
As for a place to start, the local stuff is generally the best place. If you do an Atlas Search on
NSW BioNet, you can define an area and it will show you species recorded there. Then all you need to do is focus on the ones you are interested in i.e. frogs, skinks, snakes etc.
Also, go herping. Spend time wondering around the bush looking for animals. Don't take them from the wild, photograph them like most people do; and make sure you respect their habitats by returning any moved logs or rocks to the way they were. The less impact you make, the better.
Have fun.