SYD - LONDON Dec 2016 - Jan 2017 Fares

Hi Friends

I am planning to fly to the UK and then to Europe around Dec 10th and Return back before Jan 10th
My preference would be to Manchester, UK as I have my sister living there.

Looking at the flights, knowing that its a peak period… All flights from SYD to MAN are around $1800 mark.
I managed to find a fare around $1400 return (Air China) with stop over of about 9 hours both ways.(not on exact days, but 1 or 2 days around the above mentioned days)
Is that the best price during Peak season or Should I wait for any sale fares to be released by Etihad/Qatar/Emirates ?

Thanks