Low Level returns to base may not be a problem in Australia, but overseas they could be a nightmare.
Cruising along in an airliner at 10'000ft is far from ideal.
High terrain, Military airspace, Restricted airspace, lack of communications, and controllers that probably have no understanding of what you are doing and where you are going.
As a first rule, it is generally best to land as soon as practicable! After that, anything is possible.