Emirates ex UK via Dubai to Australia are excellent value and service is brilliant. the kids entertainment system is second to none and there is more leg room than any other economy airline. Gulf air Sky nanny would be good if you could afford 20,000K.Singapore are also good but deparute arrival times ex UK are not family friendly. Malaysian airlines do not have an everyday service for a flight straight thro to australia so a stop over a must but well worth it when you stay at the Meridian just above the trainstation that links the airport. It has the best pool in nearly all asia and a water slide for kids!!! Brilliant. Going via Hong Kong a bit like torture as not a direct route and no cost saving either. I've been doing this for 5 years too long....there is no easy way just grit your teeth and bare it, the sun will shine when you get there and you'll forget all about it!