I made HKG-SYD last September, and direct CX J awards did not even open within the 15 days threshold before the flight. I had to choose HKG-SIN-SYD instead, with BA for the SIN-SYD leg. Way too long (took us almost 18 hours...).
On our return trip we flew MEL-HKG in QF.

Personally, I found QF's product very good and now it ranks really high in my list.

CX was simply impressive, but you need to ensure the route is not served with "Regional Business Class".