Second hand guitars are a bargain, especially on market place on FB or Gumtree. Look for a good acoustic that hasn't been left in the back seat of a car in an Aussie summer!
Depending on your skill level, you'll want a guitar that sounds decent right up front. Forget about the big brands such as Gibson and Martin unless unless money is no object. Fender do make many affordable guitars, but personally, I find their low end gear pretty ordinary.
Electric guitars are cheap too, go for Telecaster or Strat copy style to keep it simple, and Roland amps are inexpensive.
Yamaha make decent new guitars under $400 and are really good! A second hand Cort Earth 70 can be had for $150 and is beyond a bargain.