Cheap softwood with a distinctive grain?

Hey so I would really like to make a new headboard for my bed and a few things around the house. I recently made a bend end chest using mostly brushbox. End result looked great but way too heavy and expensive. Anybody know about softwoods with distinctive grains? I'm happy to buy reclaimed stuff but even then, I've never been to a lumber yard where you can barter on price. Only been to the ones where everything has a price tag. I'm from west Melbourne but will travel anywhere in Victoria if I can find the right thing.



Thanks!