The Aussies trumped the US in the egg laying competitions of the first decades of the 20th century. So much so, in fact, that we got offended. Test after test showed the superiority of the Aussie efforts at selective breeding for egg production. Around 1910, Aussies were averaging 170 eggs per year/bird in controlled testing with peak-season laying numbers significantly higher. The Yank birds could hardly compete, having been neglected and relegated to farm scrub status for so many years. This was back when there was no such thing as factory farming - all birds were managed "naturally."
Did you know that the Australorp, AFAIK, still holds the record for a single breed/single bird laying challenge? They were so renowned in their day that they had their own postage stamp at one time - well, so I've read. I havent been able to find an example of it.
They are a cross of black Orpington and Langshan stock and were first brought to fulfillment in the 30's down under. Much is being made of hardiness here, and they are that. I doubt there is anywhere in CONUS that you could rear them and they wouldn't do well, providing you do your part.
