If its any help we spent almost a month out in Oz in January, every appartment had it's own washing machine, all top loaders.
Hubby's boxers came back looking like he had a mini skirt on, and the clothes never looked as clean as they do with our top loaders.

My daughter and her boyfriend have been out there for 8 months and have recked most of their clothes in the top loaders at the hostels and camp sites. I must admit although they do finish alot quicker I much prefer our front loaders.
But hey if thats all we've got to moan about I think, the amazing benefits the country has to offer compaired to here, the washing machine will become "No worries" as they say out there.

Hope iyou find it's all were wishing for, you lucky guys who already have your visa's and are waiting to go.

Best wishes to you all
Chris