International QF flight with positioning flights in Aus

[Isochronous]

If I fly MEL-SYD-HKG return, when I depart MEL the bags can be checked through all the way to HKG. But when I return, what's the deal with Customs - do I have to collect them in Sydney then check in again to fly SYD-MEL? What's the procedure?

 

[ozbeachbabe]

On the return HKG/SYD/MEL your bags can be through checked to MEL, however if your SYD/MEL flight is domestic ie QF400 & above you must clear customs in SYD with your bag first.

Once you exit the customs hall turn right and make your way down to the domestic connections area. Once here they will take your luggage which gets transferred around to the domestic terminal & you take the QF shuttle bus airside from T1 to T3 for your SYD/MEL flight.

The only time you would remain airside in transit in SYD would be if your connecting flight SYD/MEL was an international one ie QF1-QF399 or JQ35 SYD/MEL in which case customs formalities would be completed in MEL.