Think you need to live elsewhere to appreciate home. Ok, there's a bit of gruff service, but there's more to life than the people who check you into hotels and serve you dinner! Like the brilliant blue skys, clean beaches, sense of openness, ability to get away from other people, and a (relatively) egalatarian society.
As for the service piece, whilst perhaps the service in 4* and 5* establishment isn't up to the high smiling, welcoming standards of much of Asia, go beyond these establishments. I've had some absolutely amazing service and welcomes in country motels and other establishment- genuine warmth and understanding.
The other thing about service standards in Australia, whilst often the smiles are absent or not up to scratch - if things go awry - in Asia the staff will do their best to make you feel comfortable and happy. In Australia they're more likely to solve the problem, I generally find Australian service staff are much better at problem solving (and more empowered to do so) than in Asia.
Enough stereotyping - how about a STOP PRESS ..... DJ fare BNE-MEL for the said Anzac day weekend for $178 + $20 for luggage. That's goes someway to challenge of halving the price ......
