You are definitely not alone. Most years, we go across to the west coast to a concert held at a very salubrious vineyard in Margaret River. There's a large grassed area surrounded by majestic karri (eucalypt) trees and the concert takes place around sunset - very picturesque.  The protocol for entry is that you must line up in vehicles for hours on end to get the best position, park the car, then sprint across the lawn to put your picnic rug down and claim your spot. The rich and famous (corporate guests) have the best places, but we usually get a good view. However, that's where the fun ends. You have to defend your few square metres with your life! As wine from the vineyard is sold during the night, people get more and more rambunctious...

Paul Kelly played at a local vineyard in Albany in January. People sat for the support acts then got up and danced when PK came on. This didn't worry us greatly (we got up too), but some of the older patrons were right jacked off about it - much foul language and abuse...

I do like the outdoor venues as we can avoid that cigarette smoke. We go to Perth on a regular basis to see a Melbourne band called The Black-eyed Susans. They play at a pub and the smoke is an issue for the kids, but the atmosphere of being up close and personal is great. I know what you mean about large venues - The Eagles are playing at an AFL (football) oval - capacity for football around 35 000. Since seats will be on the oval as well as in the stands, it will be big. I guess they make more money that way - pack 'em in. I hope to enjoy it all the same!