Thanks for the reply. That would be great as I checked and the visa fees as shown on the AU visa china site seem to add up to $90 in total.

I checked the QF visa info tool and the first page seems to differ from the subsequent details page about leaving the airport. It also says something about bags being checked through. Experiences here suggest you are ok if you get there. I'm hoping QF won't have an issue w the separate ticket or bags on leaving SYD. Another friend was denied boarding his return easy jet flight from MAD to LGW where he was to catch a VS flight to the USA w transit time of 2.5 hrs. He was eligible for a TWOV in the books and was in fact given one (inc. leaving airport for 8 hrs.) at LGW before catching easy jet down to Madrid.

Hoping the Aussies are a bit more understanding.