Royal Brunei used to be a 'dry' flight a few years ago. Not a problem if you don't like to have a glass of wine with your meal, but if you do then choose another option.
The Virgin/Etihad tie up is with Virgin Australia, not Virgin UK.
If I was travelling economy down to OZ I would do my best to use flights and airlines using the Airbus A380 as the leg room on these is far superior to other aeroplanes. It is also very quiet on board.
Qatar have an excellent transfer product, as do Emirates and Etihad.