Its not too bad on QF. This route will be serviced by a A330, the metal is 12-16 years old but the cabins have been updated. If you can stretch to J I would recommend QF hands down, their new J cabin is really great.

If you go via MEL you will have to change terminal, and since you've not mentioned status to gain lounge access (I'm assuming you don't have access), its just more time to spend money on overpriced airport amenities trying to alleviate boredom.