Your Ultimate Guide To Australia's Best Airport Lounges

Most people dread waiting for their flight to board, but with airport lounge access, waiting at the airport can be one of the most enjoyable parts of air travel.

In Australia, lounges from some of the world’s best airlines and lounge operators endeavour to outdo each other with more and more luxurious features. From day spa treatments to private shower suites, some of these lounges have it all. Here are our top picks.

Qantas International First Lounge, Sydney

Qantas’s International First Lounge at Sydney Airport is deservedly ranked among the world’s best airport lounges. An awesome view, Neil Perry inspired à la carte dining, bar service, barista coffee, complimentary spa treatments and marble-lined shower suites are a few of the perks that this lounge has to offer.

The design incorporates a curved walkway spanning the length of the lounge, with large wooden dividers creating several different seating zones, both for lounging and dining. There is ample natural light thanks to angled floor-to-ceiling windows that provide excellent apron and partial runway views.

Towards the far end of the lounge, you’ll find a restaurant-style setup where you can order à la carte dishes with table service. The service here is brilliant, and the food is good but won’t win any awards.

the seating area at Qantas International First Lounge, Sydney — Pull up a chair in the cosy Qantas International First Lounge.

Comfort: various seating options; warm yet outdated design – 4/5

Dining: barista service; great wine list; small buffet; quality restaurant dining – 5/5

Facilities: shower suites; spa treatments; reading material; private meeting rooms – 5/5

Overall: an open and inviting space with great views and fantastic facilities – 4.5/5

the bar at Qantas International First Lounge, Sydney — Grab a drink at the bar before your flight.

Qantas International First Lounge, Melbourne

Essentially a scaled-down version of its Sydney counterpart, the Qantas International First Lounge at Melbourne Airport offers truly à la carte dining, restaurant table service, a day spa and stunning apron views from floor-to-ceiling windows. There is plenty of seating including some for small groups and single armchairs for solo travellers.

At the far end of the lounge is the dining and bar area, which can seat up to 50 guests. While there is a small counter offering drinks and snacks, the main dining in this lounge is à la carte. The seasonal menu is prepared by chef Neil Perry and is great for an airport.

Comfort: various seating options; superb views – 4/5

Dining: barista service; great wine list; small buffet; quality restaurant dining – 5/5

Facilities: shower suites; spa treatments; reading material; private meeting rooms – 5/5

Overall: a stylish smaller sibling with great views – 4/5

Qantas First Lounge Melbourne comes with all the luxury trimmings.

Plaza Premium and Skyteam Lounges, Sydney

The Plaza Premium Lounge and Skyteam Lounge in Sydney are both run by Plaza Premium, are located adjacent to each other and are similar in many ways. As well as a casual dining area to enjoy buffet items, there’s a comfortable lounge area with views directly above aircraft parking bays.

the Skyteam Lounge in Sydney — Curl up on the couches at Skyteam Lounge in Sydney.

There is a staffed bar serving up almost anything you can imagine, including a respectable wine list and barista beverages.

Comfort: various seating options; busy at peak times – 4/5

Dining: good buffet and bar offerings – 3/5

Facilities: reading material; shower suites – 3/5

Overall: comfortable and clean design with good seating and gorgeous views – 4/5

the bar at the Plaza Premium Lounge, Sydney — Sink into a cold one at the Plaza Premium Lounge.

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Virgin Australia Domestic Business Lounge, Adelaide

Adelaide calls home to Virgin Australia’s first new-look lounge , which has now rolled out to all lounges in the network. With 283 seats there is normally plenty of space to spread out, whether that be at bar stools with power outlets for work or comfy armchairs for relaxing. Ambient lighting, bright greenery and quality fittings make the space oh-so Instagrammable, and that’s before you get to the bathroom mirror!

While the space is comfortable and gorgeous, like the rest of Virgin’s lounges, the food is average at best. Guests often have a choice of soup, one hot dish or snacks. The drinks list is good, but not on the premium end one might expect from a business-class lounge.

Comfort: multiple seating options for work or relaxing – 4/5

Dining: barely passable buffet; barista coffee; average drinks selection – 2/5

Facilities: showers; reading material – 4/5

Design: a well-designed lounge however dining could be improved – 3.5/5

the servery at Virgin Australia Domestic Business Lounge, Adelaide — Slow down for a while at Virgin Australia Domestic Business Lounge.

Singapore Airlines SilverKris First Lounge, Sydney

Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge at Sydney International Airport is a rather small and private lounge that features comfy armchairs, a buffet and dining room, and eight individual seating pods that are similar to business class suites you might see in the air.

the entrance to Singapore Airlines SilverKris First Lounge in Sydney — Step into the opulent Singapore Airlines SilverKris First Lounge in Sydney.

As far as dining, there’s a good selection at the self-service bar and buffet plus an à la carte menu. The menu has a few options to choose from and changes throughout the day, with full table service offered throughout the lounge.

the dining room at Singapore Airlines SilverKris First Lounge, Sydney — Grab something to eat before your flight.

Comfort: little capacity; luxury seating options – 4/5

Dining: good selection at the bar and buffet; à la carte dining – 5/5

Facilities: eight working pods; reading material; showers – 3/5

Overall: an intimate design featuring dark tones and open spaces – 4/5

Singapore Airlines SilverKris First Lounge Sydney is a small and intimate option

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Qantas Domestic Business Lounge, Melbourne

Qantas’s stylish Melbourne Domestic Business Lounge is a fantastic, renovated space , featuring dark tones and sophisticated finishes. Apron-facing windows span the length of the lounge, giving the space a light and open feeling. A diverse range of seating for up to 350 guests lines the lounge, with space for solo travellers and some for groups.

Towards the middle of the lounge is the bar, which stocks a generous selection of beers, wines and spirits, as well as all-day barista coffee and signature cocktails. As well as the standard buffet that offers several Asian-focused dishes, Qantas has introduced an Asian Spice Bar to its signature dining concept. Inspired by Neil Perry’s Spice Temple restaurant, the Spice Bar offers a range of fresh dishes prepared to order, with two options available at any one time.

Comfort: various seating options; extremely busy at peak times – 3/5

Dining: hit or miss dining; Asian Spice Bar; barista coffee – 3/5

Facilities: separate work area; reading material; shower rooms – 4/5

Overall: a welcoming design that makes great use of the space – 3.5/5

people sitting while working on their laptops inside the Qantas Domestic Business Class, Melbourne — Relax and do some work at Qantas Domestic Business Lounge.

International Aspire Lounge, Perth

The Aspire Lounge in Perth’s International Terminal 1 is perhaps Australia’s best-designed airport lounge. The bar is set incredibly high with properly separate zones for getting work done or relaxing before a flight. If you’re ready to jump into holiday mode, private booths and window seats are offered up in spades at Perth’s old airport viewing deck.

the reception at International Aspire Lounge — Head to the International Aspire Lounge before your flight.

Aspire Perth offers a hosted buffet and full-service bar, which works great when you can actually find someone to serve you. The drinks list focuses on West Australian drops and is fantastic, but the food offerings aren’t nearly as good.

Comfort: multiple seating options; great apron views – 5/5

Dining: minimal staff at hosted buffet; average dining; great local drinks – 2.5/5

Facilities: separate work area; reading material; shower rooms – 4.5/5

Overall: a welcoming design that makes great use of the space – 4/5

the interior with chairs at the International Aspire Lounge — Relax inside the International Aspire Lounge.

Feast your way through Sun Country on the Murray – a beautiful and bountiful region in northern Victoria with gourmet delights galore.

Nestled on the lands of the Yorta Yorta People along the mighty Murray River, Sun Country is a truly extraordinary place. The northern Victorian enclave is a tapestry of meandering waterways, ancient forests, sandy beaches, enchanting country towns and an easy way of life.

Beyond its landscapes and bucolic charm, Sun Country on the Murray is a culinary paradise: think farm-fresh produce, family-run wineries and no shortage of places to feast.

If you’re a serious foodie or simply epicurious, here’s your ultimate guide to a gourmand Murray River getaway.

The Murray Farm Gate Trail

The self-guided Murray Gate Farm Trail lets you sample the area’s best produce while immersing yourself in the lush Goulburn and Murray Valleys. The trail has something to suit every palate and pace, but there are a few notable highlights.

1. Rich Glen

Rich Glen Provedore and Rich Glen Skin & Beauty — Stock up at Rich Glen. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

Rich Glen is renowned for its award-winning olive oils. Everything is grown and created on the family farm in Yarrawonga, the results of which you can visit at Rich Glen Provedore – a treasure trove of gourmet foods, including that signature olive oil. Or explore Rich Glen Skin & Beauty, which stocks lush handmade skincare and wellness products.

2. How Now Dairy

A charming micro-farm producing ethical dairy, How Now Dairy , lets its baby calves remain with their mothers and its cows roam on rolling pesticide-free pastures. Try a selection of cheeses that do good and taste good, including a fantastic punchy blue, and velvety milk with a thick, creamy top.

3. Cactus Country

Cactus Country in the murray — Stop into Cactus Country. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

Cactus Country is a 12-acre stretch of desert-like garden containing cacti of all shapes, sizes and colours. Naturally, it makes the most of its bounty at the on-site bar and restaurant, with a cactus-infused dessert menu alongside a vibrant line-up of Mexican snacks and mains.

4. The Olde Creamery

The Olde Creamery is a local icon, a former hobby farm that has flourished into a thriving purveyor of flowers and foods. The elderflower cordial and bramble gin and tonic jam are must-tries, and make for tasty mementoes of your trip.

Wineries, breweries and distilleries

The region’s sunny climate and rich soils make it a prime place for viticulture. If wine isn’t your thing, you’ll also find boutique breweries and distilleries producing top-notch beers and spirits.

1. Squires Winery

a couple sitting at the bar at squire's winery, sun country on the murray — Pop in for a tasting. (Image: Visit Victoria)

With its idyllic positioning on the Ovens River, Squires Winery is a lovely setting for a long, leisurely lunch or tasting. Enjoy a riverside sip of prosecco, rosé or cab sauv, complemented by seasonal bites and a backdrop of towering gum trees.

2. Cape Horn Vineyard

Cape Horn is one of the region’s most established vineyards. Its sparkling durif/shiraz is a crowd favourite and well worth trying on your foodie tour, especially if it’s served with one of the winery’s delicious wood-fired pizzas.

3. Byramine Homestead & Brewery

A top pick among beer, cider and history enthusiasts, Byramine serves a rotation of brews made on-site in the historic homestead. Wander through the venue and learn about its colonial past before sitting down to a freshly made Ploughman’s and cold local ale.

4. Monichino Wines

Monichino is a slice of la dolce vita in northern Victoria, producing classic Italian varietals like pinot grigio and aromatica. Drop by for a tasting at the cellar door (open weekends or by appointment) and explore everything from crisp whites to robust fortified wines, or pack a picnic and savour your glass in the picturesque gardens.

5. Corowa Distilling Co

Corowa Distilling Co crafts an incredible variety of single-malt and blended whiskies, and is a beloved spot among locals and visitors alike. Stop in for a tasting flight in the whisky room, or a hearty breakfast or lunch paired with a wee dram.

Farm-to-table dining

If you’ve got the time to linger over a gourmet spread, Sun Country on the Murray has an abundance of outstanding restaurants and cafes.

1. O’Reilly’s Food and Wine

O’Reilly’s feels much like stepping into a good friend’s home, albeit with a refined twist. The menu changes weekly and rotates through a selection of comforting yet elevated dishes – think lamb cottage pie, French-style moussaka, a perennially popular open steak sandwich and cakes that change flavours weekly.

2. Stock and Barrel

a couple eating at Stock and Barrel victoria — Soak in views of Lake Mulwala. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Tucked inside The Sebel Yarrawonga hotel, overlooking sparkling Lake Mulwala, Stock and Barrel does pub classics with a Sun Country spin. Order a perfectly seared steak and triple-cooked potatoes alongside a freshly poured pint, or try a regional highlight: local produce features abundantly across Stock and Barrel’s dishes.

3. The Bend

With spacious decks and panoramic views of the Murray, The Bend is ideal for a sun-soaked long lunch. Order a round of moreish share plates (like baja fish tacos and a warm-from-the-oven brioche loaf stuffed with cream cheese and herbs) or a signature cocktail and indulgent main – we can’t go past the slow-braised wagyu brisket.

4. Blacksmith Provedore

If you’re after a slick yet relaxed dining destination, head to Blacksmith Provedore . Perched right next to Lake Mulwala, the venue is airy and elegant, with a minimalist-chic design. The pizzas are seriously good too, made with 72-hour fermented dough and toppings sourced from Italy’s finest producers.

5. Broken Willow

As soon as you enter Broken Willow ’s front doors, you’re greeted with genuine hospitality and a classic bistro menu that has something for everyone: succulent grilled meats, parmas and schnitzels, juicy burgers, and international dishes ranging from weekly curry and stir-fry specials to zippy banh mi.

While you’re there

Thompson Beach in sun country on the murray — Discover plenty to do between meals. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

Got a few hours to spare? Make the most of your trip by exploring the natural wonders and rich cultural heritage of your riverside surroundings.

Barmah National Park is a sanctuary of walks through majestic river red gums and serene wetlands. Here, a seat on board a Kingfisher River Cruise offers a different Murray experience, letting you see the vast river from the perspective of the Yorta Yorta peoples.

If you’re a watersport enthusiast, Lake Mulwala in Yarrawonga is a favourite for canoeing, cruising, fishing, kayaking and water skiing. While the silo murals at Katamatite, St James, Tungamah and more recently Waaia are essential stops in Victoria’s famed Silo Art Trail .

In Cobram Barooga, make sure to visit Thompson’s Beach, the largest inland beach in the southern hemisphere. Nearby, the Bullanginya Dreaming project is an award-winning 1.8km immersive art experience that immerses you in light and sound to tell a rich story of country, culture and connection.

Start planning a tasty getaway to Sun Country on The Murray at suncountryonthemurray.com.au.

Your ultimate guide to Australia’s best airport lounges

Most people dread waiting for their flight to board, but with airport lounge access, waiting at the airport can be one of the most enjoyable parts of air travel.

Qantas International First Lounge, Sydney

Qantas International First Lounge, Melbourne

Plaza Premium and Skyteam Lounges, Sydney

Virgin Australia Domestic Business Lounge, Adelaide

Singapore Airlines SilverKris First Lounge, Sydney

Qantas Domestic Business Lounge, Melbourne

International Aspire Lounge, Perth

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Your guide to a gourmand getaway along the Murray River

Feast your way through Sun Country on the Murray – a beautiful and bountiful region in northern Victoria with gourmet delights galore.