Soft Maple?

I recently purchased a "scroll saw art" book, which recommended using silver maple which is difficult to find in Australia.
I'm wondering whether there is an Australian native with similar qualities (takes stains readily, very soft, attractive grain, pale- almost white).
I have attempted using pine, with limited success. (I don't like the grain)

Here's a web site which might help. Has very good information about the characteristics and uses of a number of timbers, both native and imported. They are in Melbourne, so probably not practical to buy from them, but at least it may give you a few timber names to look for a local source.

http://www.afttimbers.com/home.htm

Ok, thanks. I'll have a look.

Did you try camphor laurel? I love the smell and the grain.... never gave me any trouble when I worked with it.
How about cyprus ( sp) ? Not sure what thickness you're after.... so far I just used the off cuts of floor boards and they have beautiful grain and are a joy to work with.

Juvy