PT-16 chimes in with a few more tidbits from around the Episode II set during filming in Australia. Spoilers (minor) are included, so highlight to read:

Whilst walking around the lot you would see inside many of the soundstages and the sets they were building. One of the best things was the Queen's apartments. These were constructed in Stage 1 and most of the time the sets are fairly ordinary when you see them close up, but the apartments were so magnificent it was a shame much of the detail will be missed on camera.

Also interesting to note that one of the more ornate gowns of the Queen, whenever the wardrobe people would bring them out or handle them, they would have to use white cotton gloves.

Also I believe there will be a new Dug and a few new characters from familiar species, Gasgano's I believe. There are new CG droids of types I have never seen before and more I will tell you about shortly.

Looks like there was plenty of aliens, etc on set, and sounds like there will be lots more via CGI as well. Excellent report.