Ah, what you're describing there with Steve Irwin is the traditional Australia accent, one which you're more likely to find in the outback. Which, is true, after having travelled land based to Perth. But generally I don't notice a diferent accent between the states.
However, I have heard similar to what you've heard about the Sydney / Gay accent thing. But I don't agree with it. Actually, I think Rove is interviewing the Australian Queer Eye team tomorrow night, and on the ad I saw, they made the same joke about the Sydney / Gay thing. I thought it was funny, but still not in agreeance
Alcar...