About two years ago, I started putting natives in, and the one tree I have never regretted planting is the Grevillea Firesprite. I know you said you didn't like them, but every time this tree flowers, we are inundated with birds enjoying the flowers, that alone is worth planting it for.
It's just outside my little girls room and she loves watching the lorikeets, honey eaters, and others having the time of their life.
It is one of the top natives I have seen.
Cheers, Mel...

Hi NB on the link below is the good native website it will give you lots of ideas
Cheers MM.

Here is a link that might be useful: Flora and Fauna

Hi Navyblue,
If you live in Melbourne, there is an excellent native nursery called Kuranga on Maroondah H'way in Ringwood. They have lovely displays to give you ideas and are extremely helpful. They are not cheap, but their quality is excellent. Just remember, when planting Aust. natives it is better to plant small plants to get the best root development (and the bonus is, it's cheaper). Most are pretty fast growing and will be a decent size before you know it. You will be amazed at the choices of form and flower!!
Dee.

Beware that you do not buy African iris (Dietes) as native iris. The only native iris in Australia is Pattersonia, and I have seen some lovely median strip displays of this in bloom around Melbourne.
There are native Australian Syzigiums, and these are evergreen. Might be more to your taste. If you hunt around you will find australian native plants which you wouldn't recognise as native, and most likely will have difficulty convincing the council that they are :-)

I just thought I should add to my input. Many councils require you to replace with natives that are indemic (i.e. they are native specifically in your area), so you might want to just check on that point with them. Some Aust. natives of one area are actually weeds in another e.g. pittosporum undulatum.
Dee.

Thanks all for your suggestions............ much appreciated.

Im sure I will love my native front yard when it is complete...... just my first time into natives........ sure i will enjoy !!!