Airlines in EASA are not mandated to carry an alternate. Different airlines have different criteria on airport facilities and weather if electing not to carry alternate fuel. Mine requires a 2000’ ceiling, 5000m visibility and two runways.
I’ve got plenty of time in Australia. Some airports are so far apart, that depending on your type’s landing performance the nearest alternate could be almost two hours away (how much fuel?) in the outback. Perth vs. Learmonth comes to mind. Let’s not jump on the bandwagon too quickly without taking info from Australian pilots who do this stuff everyday.