"Aussie" Spider... in a web in the tree...

Went to a BBQ today... winter in Australia but we dined on the patio... about 3 ft from where I was sitting, this huge spider (~3.5 to 4 inches in the longest dimension) sat in his web in the tree above our heads. He didn't move the entire afternoon! (no clue what kind of spider it is)

Spider Spinning Web in my Astilbe...

This tiny spider is ALMOST too tiny for me to spot when I wander out to look at my Astilbe... but s/he seems to be enjoying spinning his/her web in the Astilbe (under the huge holly tree in my back yard)... Have seen him/her in action for several days now but this is the best capture so far for sure!

(aside... if any experts know how to determine the sex of spiders... I'd be VERY curious to know...and also would love an ID for this one)