Milburn (69) spoke to the Otago Daily Times during the 150th celebrations of the Albion Cricket Club.
''This is like Australian weather,'' he said.
''I can't get over the weather in the three days I've been here. I've got to pinch myself to make sure I'm in the right country.''
Milburn and wife Jenny have lived in Queensland for the past 15 years and now have their home at Palm Beach.
''I have enjoyed my time in Australia but I will always be a Kiwi,'' Milburn said.
Milburn was the best wicketkeeper in New Zealand in his time but because of limitations in his batting, he only played three tests.
He has some pertinent advice for budding keepers.
''You have to bat better than I did,'' he smiled.
''But if you take your chances you can still save a lot of runs. If you enjoy it, are passionate about it, you can go anywhere. But you have to be a top batsman today.''
Milburn made his first-class debut for Otago in 1963, dropped out early in 1974, and returned after six years to score his only first-class century against Wellington.
''That was a big thrill. It was one of the highlights of my career.''
He was 38 when Ray Hunt, the chairman of the Otago selection panel, asked him to come back.
''I wanted it and ran five miles a day for fitness and went to Billy Ibadulla for batting coaching,'' Milburn said.
It was special for Milburn to return to Dunedin for the Albion club's 150th celebrations.
''The club has the best pavilion of memorabilia I've ever seen in my life. It was wonderful to see all the old faces and catch up again.''
Milburn still has a close interest in New Zealand cricket and it has been given a personal touch now that Dunedin's Mike Hesson is the Black Caps coach.
''Mike played for Taieri when I was coach. It is good to see someone of Mike's dedication get the top job. It shows that if you want something badly enough, it's amazing what you can achieve.''
Milburn always goes to the Gabba when tests are played in Brisbane. He had a hip operation seven years ago and was not able to play in the Albion golden oldies cricket match at the weekend.
His daughter, Rowan, played cricket for both New Zealand and the Netherlands and is now assistant principal at Mountainview High School in Timaru.
Milburn makes three visits back to Dunedin each year to catch up with his 92-year-old mother, Lilian, and daughters Hilary and Philippa.
Milburn has played bowls for the Tweed Heads Club for the past two years and is pursuing excellence in the sport.
Tweed Heads is one of the biggest bowling clubs in Australia and has 400 men and 300 women members. Former Dunedin bowler and Black Jack Paul Girdler is the head coach at the club.
When the Milburns first went to Australia, they ran a motel complex. Barry is not idle in his retirement but is a keen gardener and is fundraising chairman for the Tweed Heads Rotary Club.
Barry Milburn
At a glance
Age: 69.
Lives: Palm Beach, Queensland.
Teams: Albion, Otago, New Zealand.
Test record: Three tests v the West Indies, 1969.
First-class: Played 75 matches, 1963-83.
High score: 103.
