Do I need a visa for china for a cruise or apply for 144hour free transit?

Hello , We are party of four flying from Sydney, Australia to Shanghai, staying 3 nights 21 August 2018 to 24 august 2018. Check out of hotel the 24th August. Then goto Wusongkou International cruise terminal for cruise back to Sydney. Can we apply for 144hour free transit in Shanghai or do we apply for chinese visa in Sydney before we leave.