Thanks for the map, SeatbackForward. Actually, they follow that route almost exactly on the return trip, i.e. JNB - SYD. You will notice that the route brings you into Australia over Cape Otway and continues on directly over the top of Melbourne. From my study in Port Melbourne I can see the vapour trace of the QF flight at lunchtime every day.
On the forward route, SYD - JNB they go much further south, departing Australia over Maatsuyker Island at the southern tip of Tassie, passing tangentially along the coast of Antarctica and reaching South Africa over Durban. I have assumed that the more southerly route is to avoid the westerly winds in the low 40s and 50s latitudes, but someone else might have better knowledge.
Sorry to have led the thread away from shades up or down, but you can see that I have actually learned a few things from travelling with the shade UP.
Cocitus23.
Cocitus23.