The 241 has always been poor value heading to Australia, at least for as long as I’ve read Head for Points. Qatar redemptions are better value and easier to find, also giving you greater choice over final destination airport and a superior flying experience by far.

It also used to be possible to get a much better deal paying cash to Australia, rather than miles, especially if you have flexibility with dates and you are happy to start ExEU. Prices are a bit crazy to Australia right now but it’s always worth a look if you have the time and flexibility to travel whenever.

I can see you are having issues with booking on QR? Have you actually transferred any Avios across from BAEC after linking your account?

Having flown QR and BA recently on long haul, I would say for this retirement trip of a lifetime I wouldn’t consider flying BA. Old club world seats are dreadful, club suite is a very tight fit and is usually falling to pieces. I have also found BA service on long haul to be poor, and the catering is probably worse than QR economy. If you can get a route with Q suite, which is common from DOH to Oz, you will have far more room for sleeping and lounging, which I can see you have specified is a priority. I personally think it’s ridiculous BA call their product a suite when the Q suite is about twice the size and far more private and well constructed. Also, the QR service is far more attentive, professional and slick; the food and beverage quality and options make BA look like a soup kitchen too. For this special occasion, I would recommend trying to book QR with your Avios, it should be 180k per person return with standard availability. Enjoy!