Is it actually only about 3.5 hours from Oz to Fiji Islands? I just read this and couldn't believe my eyes. Other places like Tonga look like they're really close flight time as well.

I've been looking at both Melbourne and Sydney. The closest frame of reference I have to the States is the difference between Dallas and Austin in terms of city differences: more urban, professional types vs. more alternative/artsy. I'm searching for a warm climate, good beaches....organic food/vegetarian restaurants, more outdoorsy lifestyle. How accepted also are Americans - we definitely lack the Aussie idioms and vocabulary, but surely it can be learned...

I'm looking at both University of New South Wales and Latrobe University; I also personally think Australia looks like a fantastic place to live.