The first time I noticed that Google Maps is an Australian activity was when Google HR called me and told me to apply for a position in the Google Maps team. As you can tell, I’m a marketing guy, not a developer so Google didn’t want me for the role…
Nevertheless, the Google Maps team has coped without my help, rather well in fact. We are seeing more features all the time. One I just noticed is the ability to plot driving directions within Australia on a map and also turn-by-turn directions like the old RACV strip maps. Here is how the Sydney Googlers get from the Opera House to the Down Under Googleplex. Here is a great overview.
You may notice a link to Google Maps for Mobile, but owing to a typo it gives a 404 instead of taking you here. When I get a GPS-equipped mobile, I’ll get more out of that link, but current owners of Palm, Blackberry or Windows Mobile phones should check it out.