iDIDJ Australia Didgeridoo Cultural Hub

Slowly but surely, my savings are getting closer to the point were I can purchase a genuine Yidaki. I may have to get a stick that is a little closer to the cheaper end of the spectrum, but I will stretch my dollars a little if it is going to be worth it. I was just wondering what some general advice would be in purchasing the real thing? What should I be looking for? How do I judge a good stick from, a not so good one?

From what I've read, you're from Sydney ?
So you live closer to the "production site" than most of the other members of this forum, who live over-seas.
The best way to chose your mandapul would be for you to go and test plenty of them IRL and let your heart (and ears) chose for you.
A journey to the source (ArnhemLand), or to Melbourne to visit Guan and his impressive collection of sticks.
I think there is also a didj' shop in Sydney... don't really know what's in stock but I guess there might be several trad' sticks for sale.

General advise :
Listen to plenty of iDidj YouTube videos and try find out which key you prefer (they are always mentioned in the headline).
That's a first step.
Then also, be sure that you want to stick to NEAL style rather than WAL.
Usually, a good NEAL style stick is very tapered to be able to play fast and pass from drone to toots easily.
Though this is specific to the new generation... older-style sticks can be less tapered and meant to play slower and deeper.
Check who the maker is too, as you won't just purchase a musical instrument but a cultural artefact as well.
Note that the "look" of the stick is of mere importance compared to the shape of the air column and the sound it generates.
The exterior shape may give you indications as to how the air column is configured, but it can mis-lead you too.

Another hint too : you can also find cheaper instruments second-hand.
Check out the appropriate section in the forum.

Make a wise choice !