Qantas’ Melbourne Lounge Upgrades Deliver Dishy Design

Qantas domestic business flyers may want to arrive early, to take advantage of all the comforts of the airline’s upgraded Domestic Business Lounge and Qantas Club.

Qantas has completed the multi-million dollar upgrade of its Domestic Business Lounge and Qantas Club, increasing room to accommodate nearly 900 customers; with 40% more room in the Business Lounge and 10% more room in the Qantas Club.     

The year-long project to upgrade these customer facilities included adding more seats and improving work-friendly features, like Wi-Fi and wireless printing, and power and data outlets at all seating locations.

Qantas has also opened an Asian Spice Bar in the Business Lounge for those who would like to enjoy a meal before taking off. This follows the popularity with customers of the airline’s themed-dining options in Perth (gourmet pizzas) and in Brisbane (Mexican cantina). The Spice Bar will offer freshly made Asian dishes including noodle soups, char siu pork and Sichuan eggplant. Customers at both lounges can also keep charged with all-day barista coffee service. 

“Melbourne is one of the busiest ports in our network, and with the demand for premium travel on the rise, it’s the right time to be investing in bigger and better lounges,” Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said. “Our Frequent Flyers tell us that starting their journey in a comfortable and premium lounge is important to them, which is why they were front of mind when we embarked on this redesign. Given it’s Melbourne, serving quality local food, wine and barista coffee is obviously a priority.”

The design of the new lounges was inspired by Melbourne’s landscape and lifestyle and is the work of Woods Bagot. The Qantas Club features elements of the Great Ocean Road, with natural timber and a color palette of turquoise and grey. The Business Lounge includes elements from Melbourne’s supper clubs.

Qantas Business Lounge Melbourne Key Features:

• Seating for 350 customers (40% more seats).
• Wi-Fi and wireless printing.
• Power and data outlets at all fixed seating positions.
• Communal work zone with large work tables
• News and Foxtel from large TV screens.
• Shower suites with ASPAR by Aurora skincare products.
• Windows along entire length of lounge, offering tarmac views.

Qantas Business Lounge Melbourne Dining: 

• Signature dining experience – Spice Bar – serving freshly made Asian soups, noodles, and tasty Asian street food from midday each day. Dishes include noodle soups, char siu pork with rice, Sichuan eggplant, and stir-fried gai lan.
• Premium hot and cold buffet with a focus on Asian dishes.
• Seasonal menus designed by Neil Perry, Qantas Creative Director Food, Beverage and Service.
• A bar serving barista coffee in the morning and tap and bottled beer, Australian wines and non-alcoholic drinks from midday.
• Quench – a drinks station supporting hydration and wellness while traveling including flavored waters, sparkling water, and tisane.
• ‘Cocktail hour’ in the evening with signature Rockpool cocktails.
• All-day barista coffee.
• Accor service.

Designed by Woods Bagot, the Qantas Business Lounge Melbourne features dark luxurious tones and sophisticated finishes throughout, representing the chic, urban feel of Melbourne. Finishes include dark Nero Marquina marble from Northern Spain, natural timber floors, fluted glass and brass and black metal fittings. Custom brass lighting above the communal worktables are the product of local designer Volker Haag & Aglo.

The Qantas Business Lounge Melbourne is available to Qantas Business customers, Platinum and Platinum One Qantas Frequent Flyers, and eligible oneworld Emerald, Emirates Platinum Skyward, and China Eastern Platinum Eastern Miles customers. 

Qantas Club Melbourne Key Features: 

• Seating for 530 customers (10% more seats).
• Wi-Fi and wireless printing facilities.
• Increased number of charging access points throughout the lounge.
• News and Foxtel from large TV screens.
• Kids Zone.

Qantas Club Melbourne Food and Beverage:

• Premium hot and cold buffet serving soups, salads, sandwiches and breakfast items.
• All day barista coffee including a coffee bar at the entrance for customers on the go.
• Quench – a drinks station supporting hydration and wellness while travelling including flavoured waters, sparkling water and tisane.
• A bar serving barista coffee in the morning and tap beer, Australian wines and non-alcoholic beverages from midday.
• Seasonal menus.
• Accor service.

Designed by Woods Bagot, the color palette is inspired by the Great Ocean Road using natural timbers, cool greys, and pops of turquoise. The furniture layout and custom lighting symbolize the grid road system of Melbourne. Finishes include grey herringbone tiles and natural stones.

The Qantas Club Melbourne is open to Qantas Club members, as well as to Quantas Frequent Flyers with Gold, or higher, membership tiers.