Family visit visa/residence permit

Could someone help me on this issue. I am married to a chinese national we both live here in Australia. It is our intention to travel back to China where my wife still has employment committments. My issue is, do I apply for a Family visit visa L to see my in laws then apply for a residence permit? If I travel on a Family visit visa do I need a return airline ticket? I can not find any information on wether I can apply for the Residence permit outside of china that is through the consulate here in Sydney Australia or only in China. If I am granted a Residence permit do I then cancel my return airline ticket or get a new one with an altered date.