Can I still go and look at areas (that a level 1 can get to, excluding area explore) ie cites, villages, out of the way hometowns etc. Or did it all get nerfed? Do I now need to explore at 15/20/30/40/50 or can I explore at any level, granted the area I'm in is for my level.

You should be safe exploring areas within the level ranges listed on the areas command.

I've never managed to get an exploration point before level 11. Don't know if areas like Caravans or Kobolds are worth any though.

There are a couple of exploration points in Kobold Warrens and they can be explored at level 1. Maybe you just didn't find them.