Might be worth check out some of the pretty cheap QF flights on offer around that time at expedia.ie
Examples:
Sydney to Los Angeles
Tue 4/Sep/2012 QF11 - Mon 17/Sep/2012 QF108
852 euros == $1,063AUD/pp
OR
Brisbane to Los Angeles
Tue 4/Sep/2012 QF15 - Mon 17/Sep/2012 QF108/QF516
859euros...