I’m rather partial to a visit to an airport lounge so I jumped at the opportunity to do a tour of the Qantas Club lounge at Melbourne Domestic Airport. I’ve had the opportunity to review other airline lounges both in Australia and the US and it’s always good to see the facilities that are unique to each lounge. Obviously, I keep a keen eye out for access features so here’s my Melbourne Domestic Airport Qantas Club Lounge review.
Review – Qantas Club lounge Melbourne Domestic Airport
The Qantas Club lounge is located just past airport security on the right-hand side. For those that also require a Changing Places Bathroom facility there is one opposite the Qantas Lounge precinct.
Walking into the Qantas Club Lounge I was immediately impressed with the fresh decor and spacious surroundings. A variety of seating options and multiple buffet stations are well spaced to allow for easy access for travellers. A variety of food and beverage options are available with the make your own toasted sandwiches seeming exceptionally popular.
The Quench station concept is only offered in select lounges and the Qantas Club Lounge Melbourne Domestic Airport is one of them. The Quench station provides a range of hydrating drinks designed to support wellness while travelling. Guests in the lounge can enjoy the drinks while in the lounge but can also top up a drink bottle to take their wellness to go. We all need that when travelling.
Bar opening time is 12pm and while a glass of wine was a popular choice, the barista also seemed to be working overtime propping eyes open with a range of hot drinks made to order.
Variety is the spice of life so the daily menu in the Qantas Club lounge changes. On the evening I visited the offerings included minestrone soup, Texas beans served with steamed rice, roasted broccoli salad with miso Caesar dressing, turmeric spiced potato salad with various lovely seasonings, toasted sandwiches and fresh fruit.
If you have a dietary requirement, such as gluten free food, I suggest speaking to the staff on arrival to see how they can assist you. Items which are “gluten friendly” have an asterix beside them but I would double check with staff to be sure.
And while the adults are well catered for with work stations and various seating options, the kids haven’t been forgotten with a dedicated area for them to let loose and play. There’s nothing better than having a place to unleash any bottled up energy before being cooped up on a plane.
The Qantas Family Zone is tucked away in a corner of the lounge and is equipped with lovely Australian themed books, toys and a television. Kids can help themselves to juice, fruit and colouring in sheets. This is an alcohol-free zone.
Qantas Club Lounge accessibility
Lift access is provided to the Qantas Club Lounge at Melbourne Domestic Airport and once inside there is excellent circulation space and wide passageways to ensure ease of access throughout the lounge. The check-in desks are quite high making it difficult for a wheelchair user to make eye contact with staff but the food and beverage stations are at a good height.
A “prioritised seating area” is labelled for “customers preferring ease of access” which I think is a fabulous idea. The seating is close to the buffet and beverage zone.
A unisex accessible bathroom is available offering a shower bench, height-adjustable shower and lever taps. Towels are available if you wish to freshen up while visiting the lounge.
A hair dryer is located at a lower height for passengers looking to add some flair to their hair after a shower.
It’s pleasing to see such a large accessible bathroom. I have suggested that in future if there is a renovation that the baby change table be relocated elsewhere to ensure the accessible bathroom is available to those with access needs.
My visit to the Qantas Club Lounge was all too short but I appreciated the opportunity to check out the facilities so I was able to share a review.
Currently Qantas is offering flexible lounge club membership which offers access for 28 days rather than the usual one year membership. This is ideal for less frequent travellers who have a few flights in a set period of time or for commitment phobes. It’s a good way of trying before you invest more (a bit like dating).
I was a guest of the Qantas Club Lounge at Melbourne Domestic Airport for the purposes of this review but as always my opinions are my own. If I travelled regularly enough I’d definitely invest in a membership. The quieter environment, healthy food options and facilities make this really attractive to frequent flyers.
