My husband and I flew IAD-LAX-AKL-BNE (Air New Zealand business class rocks!) and enjoyed 2 weeks in Australia in August -- 1 night in Brisbane at the Conrad Treasury, 5 in the Daintree-Cape Tribulation area at a boutique property called Cockatoo Hill, 5 at another boutique eco-resort called South Long Island Nature Lodge in the Whitsundays, and 3 at the Hilton Sydney before flying home SYD-AKL-LAX-IAD. The whole trip was fantastic. This was our second time in Australia, we love it there. You can see some photos from our trip here:
http://web.mac.com/lisaandmarktravel...a%27sbest.html
I'll be happy to answer any questions. Enjoy.