Hi Geck, the reason I say that UQ would be the best for a science degree in QLD is because of its reputation - it is only one of two uni's in Aus that are in the top fifty in the world; and, especially when doing a degree that does not have a good graduate employment as mentioned, you are more likely to get the job if your potential employer recognizes the institution from which you graduated.
I say that we have 'world-renowned zoologists' referring to the amount of funding they are granted and the number of times their research has been cited by other zoologists around the world. Many don't even reside in Aus, they will come to do research for six months, and do a few undergrad seminars while they are here. I am not saying that they are better than those at other universities, however - though we recently had four life science openings at st lucia, and there were just under four hundred applications for each of those positions, many of which were from overseas researchers looking to work in sunny QLD (or should I say cloudy QLD?).
Also, I don't think that it is too important to know exactly where you want to head with your zool degree when you begin it - there is nothing different between the universities in regards to their herp/ento/ecol research - especially for an undergrad degree. And as a postgrad, it dosen't matter what are you want to work in - it is an excuse to go on a field trip. I am traveling down to NSW/ACT in the next two weeks to collect my insects; and we have salties on the roof of our zool building if that is what floats your boat
as long as you find a supervisor that is prepared to let you do your research, then you are set!
And as for work propositions, it again depends on where you want to go with your degree. I think it is important to keep your knowledge broad, and don't disregard something at face level, there are plenty of entry-level opportunities.
As for what I want to do - I love taxonomoy and my bugs (herps will always be a passion separate from work) - and there are heaps of areas I could get into. I love the taxonomy field because I can link it with conservation, as I am passionate about preserving the Australian enviro.
Sorry about the huge ramble. Keep the topic rolling!!