Maybe this is how lame Sydney has become, but from a Melbourne perspective there are a few points here that don't really ring true - in fact it kind of sounds l

Maybe this is how lame Sydney has become, but from a Melbourne perspective there are a few points here that don't really ring true - in fact it kind of sounds like you're describing the Australia that my parents grew up in... > Forget interstate travel as each state has different line standards While there are remnants of narrow and broad gauge tracks around, all the mainland capital cities have been connected by standard gauge tracks since 1995. > It's impossible or near impossible to eat out after 8 pm. This is true way out in the suburbs, or in regional areas but the closer you get to downtown the more places there are serving until 10pm (particularly Asian food) and a plethora of 24 hour places. > Shops close at 6 pm so no after work shopping. The two major supermarkets open until midnight. Shopping centres (malls) open until 9pm Thu-Sun. K-Mart is generally open until 10 or midnight, sometimes 24 hours. The rest I don't know - I don't really shop recreationally. > You have two grocery stores, Coles and Woolworths ... and Aldi, plus the IGA's as you say. > it's a long journey to travel outside of Australia Not if you're going to New Zealand from Melbourne, or Asia from Darwin :) > The prime minister denies climate change and walks into parliament with cole saying don't be afraid it's only cole Agreed, that was a shameful moment - the only mitigating factor is that he wasn't Prime Minister at the time. > They've yet to discover double glazing/insulation Um, no. We have the internet and we can read, too. Possibly you missed the scandal a few years ago when the govt was subsidising insulation. Another shameful moment. > I've never walked down a street or through a suburb that's felt unsafe Generally agreed, but if you want the counterpoint I'll take you on a walking tour sometime. Just don't bring your good sunglasses ;)