Mike - I once flew from North America to Melbourne (via LA and Auckland and Sydney) first class. Dude. That was the most amazing experience -ever. The first class lounges in NZ and Syd had fabulous food buffets, showers, etc.
The customs people in Oz were second in crankiness only to the USA's crab-cake-customs-clerks.
Aside from that, though, I must say how much I loved your country. Melbourne in particular. Wonderful place.