So, although I'm not sure what exactly I'm looking for, maybe I'll throw up some personal observations of life here, and see if anyone can post up the Australian equivalent, or how it's different there?
Ok, so I'll just run with it, and please keep in mind, I'm not trying to put anything in a positive or negative light (although some items may come out that way), just the "way it is" sort of thing...!
Speed limits: here, it's 70mph, 112kph. Although rarely people actually drive those speeds, more like 75mph/120kmh.
No one really drives small cars. This is one of the things I noticed about England and Lithuania that was very different. I've heard the world perceives the average American as driving a gas guzzling vehicle, well, that's pretty much true. Only recently have vehicles like the "Smart" car started to sell in the U.S.. The smallest most common cars are pretty much the Honda Civic. I would say, oh, roughly 6-7 out of every 10 people drive either SUV's, or big pick up trucks. In my case, I drive a hybrid, the Prius because I became sick of paying so much for gas (known as "Petrol" in Australia right?).
Speaking of gas, 1 U.S. gallon (3.79 liters), on average (assuming 87 octane), costs $3.70 USD. What's it like in Australia? My car takes approximately 11.9 gallons (45 liters), costs about $40 USD to fill up, and I get about 525 miles (845 km) out of the tank, but then again, with a hybrid, I'm an exception. Most cars have slightly bigger gas tanks, and get far less mileage. People here are all up in arms with gas prices, as those who own trucks and SUV's have begun to pay about $100 USD to fill up their tanks! Glad that's NOT me!
Too many 16-18 year olds buy 1,000 cc bikes. I've heard over in England they have a tiered licensing concept, is it the same in Australia? Unfortunately, or fortunately, there are several ways to look at this, the second someone gets their license at 16, even if they don't know how to ride a bike, they can walk into the Kawi dealership and buy a ZX14 and try to ride off... lololol
My current State, Florida, is pretty liberal when it comes to vehicles. For motorcycles, no insurance, no inspection is required. With cages, you need insurance, but there's no cage inspection either. As long as it has 4 wheels and a VIN, you can drive it! Again, this State is liberal in that respect, many States require annual inspections on cages and bikes.
We have two general forms of police: State and local. The State cops pretty much all drive Ford Crown Victoria's, as do the local "County" cops. Although the State cops (also known as "Highway Patrol"), also now drive Dodge Chargers, and Ford Expedition SUV's.
Most people pay Federal and State taxes on their income. Again, Florida is an exception in this case, no State tax on income, just Federal. Most items to have a sales tax, which varies by State.
I would say the average price of home here in FL is about $200,000. As for annual income, I don't know if I even want to venture a guess, but pretty much anyone who owns a home probably makes about $40,000 annually.
Florida, in particular, people drive like crap. Lots of bike wrecks down here, too many old people driving (Florida is a popular destination for retired folk), and too many people speed as the roads are generally wide and flat.
So let me stop right there for the moment, as the post is getting rather lengthy... lol Please feel free to hit me up with questions about life on this side, maybe I can confirm whether it's rumor or not!
Oh, I did want to throw in: I'm not sure if this is good or bad, but really, the only pespectives we seem to have for Australia were brought to us by such movies as Mad Max, Crocodile Dundee, and the musical group Men at Work! I truly hope I haven't insulted someone by mentioning Crocodile Dundee
I suppose, in many ways, this is why this post came about: if you want to know how Australians really live, or what life is like over there, go ask one! 
but normally A$1.30 ish.
andi - 
) - And anti-social soccer mums driving 4WD's (SUV's) are generally frowned upon, and the subject of much derision because they drive a car that the greenies hate....well I say fuck the greenies, I need an 8 seater !! 
