Although I don't agree with the absolute BS laws pertaining to firearms in Australia in the slightest, I would not feel compelled to want to carry a firearm pretty much any where I went, except whilst hunting or at the range.
Whether you believe it or not Australia has a Diverse Population, its just that most of them are more interested in running their restaurant and getting their kids an education, even the illegals.
Diverse does not mean different gangs fighting for their patch(although that does happen, just not on the scale of the US), but different cultures living together.
Hell someone has to pay the taxes for all the Kiwis on the Dole.
I have been to the US and spent time there, have even driven across the country, several times.
The minority that is causing all of your problems is just that, your problem, if you feel that you need to carry a gun, then by all means do.
But don't go thinking everyones boat floats the same.
As far as I'm concerned, nowadays I just do as I always have, just keep off the radar is all.