Options to obtain China Visa while on extended travel in Europe

We are Australian citzens on extended travel currently in Europe. We have booked a tour which leaves Hong Kong then travelling to Beijing and mainland China. We are looking at our options to obtain a Visa before we arrive in Hong Kong in September. Can you advise what our options are, can we obtain a China Visa whilst travelling without having to send our passports, are we able to obtain Visa in Hong Kong or on entry in Beijing, ie VOA, Visa on Arrival. Thank you.