In the distant past, I operated long range to SYD, and I always uplifted alternate fuel for MEL.
If MEL was not available due to weather, then BNE.
Type aircraft, B707 and L1011.
Never had to divert, either.
OTOH, also operated long range to PER, with Learmouth as the alternate.
Due to fog at PER, had to divert twice....while enroute.