The real issue is probably that the "good" connections (in HKG) don't really exist. Try
AUS 0845 ORD 1119
ORD 1250 NRT 1535
NRT 1700 HKG 2045
HKG 2225 DAC 0030
May not apply in your travel period or days - I used Jul 09 dates
It's about 600 mi further than AUS-LAX-HKG-DAC which is likely to need a 20+ hours connection in HKG.
Booking engines and TAs don't like that many connections
Start by asking if there is availability on those flights.
Happy wandering
Fred