Why first class? Very limited options on direct type route. Going via SIN or where ever will add much time and negate the first class experience.

Have you flown long haul business class in an international airline? Many people in USA, who have not flown internationally seem to think long haul first is like many USA domestic first class. It is not. USA domestic first class, on most aircraft, is more like a better premium economy or a poor business class. We have had such requests for first class awards into Australia before, but then when reality hits most people go for business class.

Few airlines fly first into Australia from anywhere. EY Etihad is an AA partner and may fly first into Australia (have not checked). EK Emirate does fly first class into Australia. TG Thai is another to check on.

Also SYD is no the only international airport in Australia, so also look for award flights into MEL & BNE in you searches

Airlines that fly USA/Canada to/from Australia (not from all airports to all airports)
- American Airlines AA (LAX - SYD) [OneWorld Alliance] (AS partner)
- Air Canada AC (YYR – SYD, BNE from Jun 2016) [Star Alliance]
- Air New Zealand NZ (LAX SFO IAH YVR via AKL) [Star Alliance]
- Air Tahiti Nui TN (LAX via Tahiti. Last segments on codeshares) (AA & DL partner)
- Delta DL (LAX – SYD) (VA & AS partner) [Skyteam Alliance]
- Fiji Airways FJ (LAX SFO HNL via Fiji) (QF, AA & AS partner)
- Hawaiian HA (HNL – SYD BNE via Hawaii) (AA & VA partner)
- Jetstar JQ JQ (HNL – SYD BNE)
- Qantas QF (LAX SFO JFK DFW HNL YVR*– SYD BNE MEL) [OneWorld Alliance] (AS partner) {* seasonal}
- United UA (LAX SFO – SYD MEL) [Star Alliance]
- Virgin Australia VA (LAX – SYD BNE) (DL partner) MEL LAX restarting 4 April 2017
And others via Asia & Middle East