I live in one of the outer (way outer) areas of Sydney, Australia, born grew up here.
I've spent some time in various parts of Asia, working, mostly in the 90's, but other than that, I've not been to the UK, Europe, the US or other places, so I can't properly compare, however, compared to anywhere in Asia, give me any part (even Melbourne ) of Australia.
I think like anywhere else, it has it good points and it's not so good points.
Minis are still fairly plentiful, still see the odd one on the road, there's a reasonable following for them and they don't rust anything like ours of our UK cousins. The locally made Minis were well made, but had many unique Aust parts in them, which for the most part, are NLA now, so that can be frustrating.
Fuel, I think compared to most other places in the world is fairly cheap, as I write this, around AUD $1.40 - $1.60 per litre, though it does swing a fair bit, a few months back, it was around $1.
There's loads of places to go to, some nearby and only the imagination limits what's afar. I'll say for the most part, it's fairly safe traveling about too and generally, the people are friendly (especially if you're in a Mini or a Moke ).
Here in Sydney (and I think for Melbourne & Brisbane) the population has literally exploded over the past 2 years and to me, when I go down to the 'big smoke' I suffocate. I can't stand it.
Politically (and I don't want to start anything), we have only 2 major parties and despite all the singing and dancing, they are both reading from the same prayer book, so most of us feel ignored, somewhat disillusioned and overlooked.
I gotta say, overall, for the most part, I like it and really, there's little to complain about.