In NSW these days you can get up to 650cc on your L's/P's, depending on the power to weight ratio. CBR's and other sporty bikes are hard to learn on, and its even difficult to complete the P's test at the RTA as they don't have that great a turning circle.
If you have never ridden before, I would recommend a dirt bike to begin on. As said by Lepperfish, you can get used to the in the dirt, they have a easy/upright riding position and are easy to control at slow speeds. Also if you drop a dirt bike, it isn't going to damage it as much as a nice new road bike.