getting a visa while overseas

Has anyone ever obtained a visa while overseas?

I need an multiple entry visa for China in September, trouble is I can't get one just yet, the visa can only be obtained 3 months before you intend to travel.

I'm leaving Australia on the 3rd of April, so my 3 months will expire if I get a visa now, and the Chinese require proof of travel and the dates of the travel.

So the only option is getting a visa while in a foreign country, it's possible, but has anyone reading this post had experience, in particular with China visa's

Dtrad