United Miles To Fly To Australia - It Isn't Simple

My brother wants to fly to Sydney and Melbourne this summer and I volunteered to help him search for award flights.  Space is abysmal with United, Air Canada, and Air New Zealand flights.  Luckily, if you book online, you can route through Asia for the same price as going direct from North America to Australia.  No, you can't go via Europe and Asia for the same rate; I tried.  On the way out, I was able to book USA to Tokyo to Inchon to Sydney.  It's a lot of extra flying, but it works.  Still trying to find a good return option.

Yes, Tokyo Is On The Way to Sydney