Mail or in person?

I require a tourist visa to visit China in August 2017 for 6 days. However, I am cutrently working and living in far North Queensland so I cannot visit Brisbane until after Easter. I am due to fly to South America for 3 months travel prior to China on 2nd May. If I go in person after Easter to the Brisbane consulate, will I need to go back to Brisbane 4 days later to pick it up and will the consulate hold my passport if I cannot make it exactly 4 days later. If you suggest using mail instead, can the passport be sent to my temporary address in Far North Qld?