Originally Posted by docbert

Listening to the LiveATC recordings it seems that the actual mayday call (and thus the reason for it) wasn't actually recorded, but best I can work out it occurred at least 50 minutes before landing (5:53am Sydney time, or possibly earlier). They were given a slightly more direct route and avoided any circling (eg, QF12 on the same route had to do two loops over the ocean). They were also offered the option of going to Williamtown (Newcastle), but declined it. Otherwise appears to have been 100% routine and uneventful landing.