;

There are a few other strategies that people here can chime in on, which I'll mention below. But in a season like December/January to/from Australia, it is difficult no matter what.

1) Often award availability opens up just days before a flight, if it's clear that there is plenty of space. For example, search for flights just a day from now (for example, SFO-SYD-SFO) and you will find significant possiblities, compared to when they were unavailable well in advance, like back in January. If available and you were ready to fly on short notice, you could book it (plus a close booking fee), and although the desired return may not be possible, you can ticket any available date further in the future, and standby/change dates near your desired return date when that opens up too. However, for a "once-in-a-lifetime" trip, or infrequent fliers, or people who have strong time constraints, this would be stressful and a definite risk to wait until so close to departure. I think I would not chance it for high season.

2) If it's business class you're looking for and none is available (but at least economy class is available for your entire planned trip), you can ask an agent to redeem a business class award where you are in economy, waiting for business class seats to open up. You will have first priority in getting any seats that become available, both before the date of flight, and at the airport if it should come to that. It doesn't guarantee a business class seat, but you will at least have the best shot at it. And you will have gotten to your dream destination. People here have experience with this strategy, in addition to the complicated "FFCC" questions (search on this topic) it generates regarding the waitlist. It is best done over the phone, where an agent can see all the possibilities (because it is a mixed economy/business class search).

3) Some have suggested that you can redeem a standard award (2x miles required, no restrictions or availability needed) for the itinerary desired (if you have enough miles to do this), and as the date gets closer, check back for saver awards opening up. And if they do become available, simply redeem the saver award and get a refund of the first ticket. I have not had any experience with this, but I think it is possible. Although it is much like option 1) since you are still waiting and have the return date problem again, but it has the benefit of having the more reassuring backup of a real ticket even if the award seats do not open up. It is expensive though, and you run the very real risk of having to spend the 2x miles. This (standard awards) can only be done on UA.

Apart from these more complicated suggestions, definitely though, search (via phone agent) Star Alliance partners for ways to get there. It is a tough season to want to get to Australia. On the other hand, you may be in for VDB opportunities aplenty if you do get tickets!