REVIEW – Qantas Business Lounge – Sydney (Domestic T3)

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After four utterly spectacular nights at the Park Hyatt Sydney, it was with heavy hearts that we made our way to Sydney’s domestic airport to continue our trip. Our next destination: Melbourne.

The Qantas domestic terminal has a fast track lane limited to OneWorld Emeralds and those holding business class tickets (the same criteria that apply to the Domestic Business Lounge). Either way, the terminal was fairly empty at mid-morning in the middle of the week.

Australia is the only country I’ve visited that expressly forbids overly casual clothing in its lounges. My local friends tell me that this is largely due to mine workers (many of whom have Emerald status) who would frequently show up in fluorescent clothing, covered in dirt, ready to drink the lounges dry. This is also apparently the reason why the domestic lounges don’t serve alcohol until midday!

Inside, the lounge seemed almost as busy as the terminal. The feel of the decor is bright and modern but I think it would really add to the overall feel if they added some dividing walls and plants, making this space feel less like a single, giant room.

The floor to ceiling windows not only serve to bathe the lounge in light, they also give you a fantastic close-up view of the planes

Running along from the barista station is a manned bar.

Although a self service option is also available.

The food on offer during lunch was not to the standard of what is served in the International Business Class lounge but there was a sufficient variety of hot and cold options, including a healthy salad and some decent cold cuts.

I’m all for indulging in local cuisine whilst travelling but when it comes to lounge food, I generally try and keep things as healthy as possible, no use wasting the calories when something properly delicious awaits me later in the day. Thankfully, eating healthily whilst travelling is becoming easier these days (although most lounges in Asia have yet to get the memo!).

 

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Conclusion

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Although the lounge is very busy and distinctly lacking in privacy, the views of the planes, the barista made coffee and the healthy food options mean I would make an effort to arrive half an hour early to relax and refresh ahead of boarding my flight. 

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