Air condition is called aircon, the combo air conditioner & heaters that you hang high on a wall are called swingers. Countertops are called benches, yards are called a gardens, closets-wardrobe, bonus room-rumpus room, hardwood floors or any wood is called timber. Living in the country is living in the Bush. Carpenters are called a Chippy, electrician -Sparky, brick layer-bricky, plumber-dunny driver. Downtown is called CBD. Neighbor is spelled neighbour. If a room is painted and decorated in updated colors & pattens they are called “Fresh”. If a house is updated in higher end-sophisticated materials it’s called “smart”. Fittings-are basically light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, appliances. Color is spelled colour. Picture rails are still pretty common. Queenslander-is a traditional style of home in Queensland that has a bungalow/Victorian/country/cottage feel. “security screens” are popular on windows & doors-which is a metal lattice. Full fences around your property are also popular.

Nice.

And for Melbourne! I would love to learn how to start my own hives.

If you like gardening I would probably stick with a traditional style. It tends to be so much greener than a native garden and would also add street appeal (which is a big one if you ever consider to sell). If you are going more native out the back you will have the best of both worlds! As to what you plant... well it all depends on where you live too. Do you have a budget? That will help the design experts when they swoop in on your post. Reading a recent design dilemma I was quite impressed with what 'thedesignworld' did with a small backyard. [https://www.houzz.com.au/discussions/boring-backyard-is-asking-for-a-makeover-dsvw-vd~4319568?n=16[(https://www.houzz.com.au/discussions/boring-backyard-is-asking-for-a-makeover-dsvw-vd~4319568?n=16)