Mwenenzi, Thanks for info and link. My flight arrives to MEL around 10am, with the first viable HBA connection is 12:45pm, so that should be OK. (There's an 11:20 Jetstar flight, but would that be a little tight?)
How is the Qantas lounge at MEL? I I ended up there longer, would I be able to use? (Flying LAX-MEL in F, but MEL-HBA would be at best Business. More likely Coach. It seems over the top to purchase a Business ticket at $825 compared to $175 for coach, for a 1.5 hour flight. I do have OW sapphire status also (if they ever send my card)).