Question on cost of visa

Hi there,

I would just like to ask the total cost for Chinese entry permits for 3 people (me and my 2 children.) We are heading to China in November to visit my husbands family. We have recently been quoted $660 for entry permits through a travel agent and thought this was way too much. We have traveled to China quite a few times back when one could apply directly through the consulate, and it was nowhere near this expensive. We are in Tasmania so would need to post our passports. Are we able to apply directly to the consulate or do we need to go through a service such as visa link or CVASC Melbourne? If you could give us an idea of how much we should expect to pay for all three of us that would be very much appreciated.
We look forward to hearing from you.