Most of the time in Australia ive flown Virgin and ive always had something at the airport before i get on the plane or take some lollies and snack on them on the way. Though with Virgin i always want to get those Byron bay cookies...sooooo yummy!!!
Qantas meals have been alright. Though one time i got a meal and i think it was beef mulsaka (?) and i asked if it was spicy and they said no, and well it was spicy for me so i asked for milk. Other than that ive been happy with the food.
Air NZ, thats my fav airline, the meals were pretty good. they kindly gave me a few cans of ginger ale when flying home coz a few hrs before i had the runs and nausea and they made sure that i was fine throughout the flight which was good sign of great customer service. Plus i got there early and mum said to ask for a exit row seat, and i got the whole row to myself.....which was great.
But yeah if its a flight under 2hrs, i wouldnt bother with buying a meal.
With international flights, liek when i was booking fares, Pacific and Air NZ were same price, but air nz included entertainment and food so i went with them for a change and it was great. Love their safety video hehe