Qantas has built a brand new first class lounge at Melbourne’s International Terminal. Designed by Qantas Creative Director Marc Newson, the lounge offers a la carte dining, spa, library, concierge and the usual showers and bar facilities.
The lounge is right up there with the best I have ever visited. The fit-out is of the highest standards, and the layout is very spacious. I haven’t felt cramped in any of my visits, which is a common problem in many other lounges. The staff are welcoming and the level of service is what you would expect in a proper first class lounge.
As far as entry goes I have copied the rules from Qantas directly:
Eligible Class of Travel
First
Next onward flight that day must be on a Qantas or Emirates flight number.
One guest allowed and must be travelling with the member on the same flight.
Eligible Qantas Members
Platinum One Frequent Flyer
Next onward flight must be on a Qantas^, Emirates^, Jetstar Airlines+ or oneworld flight number.
One guest allowed and must be travelling with the member on the same flight.
Platinum Frequent Flyer
Next onward flight must be on a Qantas^, Emirates^, Jetstar Airlines+ or oneworld flight number.
One guest allowed and must be travelling with the member on the same flight.
Eligible Emirates Members
Emirates Platinum Skyward Members
Next onward flight must be on a Qantas^ or Emirates^ flight number.
One guest allowed and must be travelling with the member on the same flight.
Eligible oneworld Status
Emerald
Next onward flight that day must be on a oneworld operated and marketed flight.
One guest allowed and must be travelling on a oneworld operated and marketed flight.
International First oneworld Customer
Next onward flight that day must be on a oneworld operated and marketed flight.
One guest allowed and must be travelling on a oneworld operated and marketed flight.
The lounge has a special a la carte restaurant with a menu created by Neil Perry. The food is of the same standard as that of Rockpool or his many other restaurants. I have enjoyed amazing wines, with a full three course meal and also had cocktails with a quick snack. The menu changes frequently and does cater for everybody. There is something to be said about having a real meal before an international flight. This is probably my favourite part of the lounge.
The spa is another great feature of the lounge although I have only been able to get in once. Its prioritised for first class travellers and other eligible members its only first in best dressed. The treatments are around 20 minutes and are designed to relax you before you jump on your flight. Its worth noting they are of a higher quality than treatments I have experienced in many other lounges. Worth booking if flying in First or going a little early if only Platinum/Emerald.
The shower facilities are great and I recommend taking advantage of them if you have the time. I try to use the showers at every lounge as a way to help with jet lag. The showers in this lounge are quite large with great amenities leaving you refreshed and recharged for the travels ahead.
There is also a library in the lounge but I must admit I haven’t even looked. I always run out of time after some food and a quick shower. I will try to remember to check this out on my next visit and update this post. I have also borrow some Qantas photos until I remember to take some of my own.
All in all this is a fantastic upgrade at Melbourne, Qantas have really shown potential in their new lounges. I hope the upgrades in LAX, Hong Kong and other destinations see the same attention to detail.
