The perception of distance in Australia

real Auzzies measure distance by long necks...

eg: trip to sydneys about 3-4 longies...

We live in Queensland and my husband works in the same state. Their flight from one airport to the next is 3 hours and then they have to catch a bus to site for 45mins. When we travel to Sydney by land it takes us 10 hours. It's because Australia is so big it takes forever to get to your destination.

More that 90% of Australians live in ten coastal cities scattered around the coast of Oz. So for the vast majority the situation you quote doesnt arise. However, it is the case that one state capital to the next is maybe a 10 hour drive. I recently undertook a drive from Perth to Melbourne. A little over 4,000km. But took the "scenic route"stopping an extra day to see several seaside towns on the way I had always wanted to see. And the whole thing took 11 days. But only the last day was over 500km.. Having done that, I am planning a longer loop next year heading inland up north and coming back via the coast. But I will be stretching that one to stop many places and take maybe 3 months..I see no reason to do more than 500km per day..Maybe 5 to 6 hours drive..😷

Because that is the reality when one lives in a country that is 7,688, 287 sq kilometers.
Going for a Sunday session drink, 200km "down the road".
Esperance to Kalgoorlie, 8 stubby trip.