I noticed that in 2015, Qantas is starting service to not only Hong Kong, but also to LAX and JFK .... and this is just out of Brisbane !! (the northernward latitude is part of the equation, I admit.)
From Melbourne, United and Qantas do LAX only.
From Sydney, theres LAX, SFO, and DFW, but JF'K is being discontinued.

Gee, I'd give anything to see Qantas back here, year round, as it was once was, long ago .....