I have a couple of questions:
1) Is there Internet access throughout the flight, including across the Pacific?
2) What do we do on a seventeen-hour flight over the Pacific Ocean?
1) No. QF does not have internet on aircraft. They did trial it a few years ago on long haul aircraft and have read its going to be installed.
Internet wifi is being introduced. Note no mention of A380 B747 A330 long haul aircraft or cost.
http://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/med...tralian-skies/
2) I was on that DFW SYD flight in August in business class. It leaves at night and arrives early morning Sydney. So basically an all-night(dark) flight. Eat, watch a few inflight movie's and sleep is what I did.
http://www.qantas.com/travel/airline...ment/global/en
The first day can be difficult adjusting to the time zone difference.
And enjoy your trip to Australia.