Commuting
10 yrs RFDS 5 years Airlines in USA back in 2016.
Agree with gentleman above, much easier in USA. I found that also depends on factors like your seniority, holding a line, etc. Commuting from Australia to USA I found horrible though. Jet lag, long commute not great imo!
But to your question re RFDS- The RFDS usually operate on a 2 day followed by 2 night pattern, with the last shift leading into a blank day. You might sign off after the last night shift at 8am but I never went past 10am. Flights between Townsville and Brisbane on JQ are usually 200-300$ return i believe. So a trip down in the afternoon then a couple days off may work!!
Taking a base like Bundaberg 4 hrs by car to Brissy may work also!
Mt Isa your accommodation is mostly paid but then the airfares are high.
i can't speak for West Oz RFDS but it might work in QLD.
Keep in mind 6 weeks annual leave also, taken along the way. Yeh I agree with above posts it can be tough but just giving a bit of positivity
good luck