We recently flew from ADL-SYD when heading off to Auckland in LATAM Airlines Business Class, meaning we had the chance to stop by the Qantas International Business Class Lounge in Sydney.
Access to the lounge varies, with Qantas welcoming Business Class passengers flying Qantas or oneworld, Qantas Club members, Gold frequent flyers, and even those with lounge passes from credit cards. You are also able to purchase a casual day pass from $49.
The International Business Lounge is located not far from security, close to Gate 8 and 10, and you have to take the escalator up to it. You will immediately see the First Class Lounge, which is reserved for First Class passengers only, but if you keep walking you will find the Business Class lounge.
The Lounge overlooks the rest of the airport and once inside, has great views of Sydney and the runway too. It’s open daily from 5:00 am and closes when the last Qantas flight departs.
Qantas International Business Lounge Sydney Entrance
Qantas International Business Lounge Layout and Seating
We first headed through glass double doors and were greeted by the staff who checked our boarding passes and let us through to the lounge.
We arrived at about 9.30am so it was definitely quieter than expected. The central lounge area is where we first stepped into, and there are a range of comfortable arm chairs with side tables situated in the middle. To the right is another seating area with more arm chairs as well as a leather couch. Along the left wall is an entire leather couch accompanied with tables and chairs.
Central Seating Area in Qantas International Business Class Lounge
Central Seating Area in Qantas International Business Class Lounge
The large windows that spanned across the entire room is what caught our eye. It provided fantastic views of the Sydney skyline and also of the runway. There was a lot of natural light and big chandeliers that hung above a dining area. In this central area, you will find a range of wines available such as Penfolds Shiraz and Seppelt Chardonnay as well as a Barista making personal coffee orders.
There are two wings in this lounge on either side of the central seating area. Both boast a range of seating options, including comfortable lounge chairs and views of the Sydney skyline. We decided to sit in the right wing at a desk area with power charging outlets. The seats were more like stools which we found a bit impractical for working, however it is very easy to swap the stool out for a normal chair.
Views from the Qantas International Business Class Lounge
Entrance to Buffet Qantas International Business Class Lounge
There are bathrooms on this side of the wing and an entire buffet that was serving breakfast consisting of hot food, pastries and a range of drink choices (we will get in more detail later).
In the left wing, there is an identical buffet with a mix of comfortable arm chairs with side tables. It was hard to find any power charging plugs so we would suggest sitting in the right wing if you are wanting to do some work. Bathrooms with modern showers are also located in the left wing and they were empty when we arrived mid-morning!
Central Dining Area Qantas International Business Lounge Sydney
Seating in the left wing of Qantas International Business Lounge Sydney
Seating in Right Wing of Qantas International Business Lounge Sydney
We found the lounge to be very spacious and liked that there were two different wings with an identical buffet, so you didn’t have to walk up and down to get your food. We also liked that both wings had toilets, their own water dispenser and coffee machine. Seating was plentiful, even when it got busier as we were leaving around 11.30am, and there was a range of different couches, armchairs and dining tables to choose from- all boasting views of the Sydney skyline and tarmac.
Seating Area in Qantas International Business Class Lounge Sydney
Qantas International Business Lounge Food and Beverage
There was a nice range of food selection when we arrived for breakfast. We appreciated the range of gluten free options available and were delighted that there was appropriate signage for it. We did struggle to find vegan/vegetarian options outside the standard fruit and vegetable dishes. If there were any, there was no clear signage for these options.
Since we had arrived at 9.30am, there was a range of breakfast items available. In the buffet were two types of bread, pancakes, pastries, croissants, banana muffins, danishes, chia seed pudding, yoghurt and various toppings including fruit and muesli. There were also four hot food options including bacon, eggs, hash browns and chicken and thyme sausages.
Breakfast Menu at Qantas International Business Class Lounge
Breakfast Menu at Qantas International Business Class Lounge
Bread Selection in Buffet of Qantas International Business Lounge Sydney
Pastries in Buffet of Qantas International Business Lounge Sydney
However, when the pastries seemed to be running low, the staff just stacked them all on top of each other and didn’t replenish in the time I was there. This is probably because they were getting ready to serve lunch next and they keep pastries in the centre section anyway.
We opted for a chia seed pudding with raspberry coulis which tasted delicious! The dish was smooth, creamy and the raspberry coulis was made fresh. Both the pineapple and watermelon on the side were sweet and fresh. We also had a mini plain croissant which was light and buttery.
Fresh Fruit Selection in Buffet of Qantas International Business Lounge Sydney
Breakfast at the Qantas International Business Class Lounge Sydney
There is an extensive selection of beverages available including spirits, wines, beers, soft drinks, coffee, tea and juices. We were a little disappointed that the soft drinks were out of a tap- it’s never as good compared to a bottle! The beer on tap was also out of order so customers were narrowed down to less options. We were pleased to have a cup of barista-made coffee as we found it to be a perfect addition to the early morning flight!
Qantas International Business Lounge Showers
The shower facilities are separate to the bathrooms, however there are toilets inside the shower suites as well. They are located in the left wing of the lounge and were readily available at that time of day. We appreciated the staple shower amenities such as shower caps, combs, toothpaste/toothbrushes, shaving kits and also stacks of 100% cotton fluffy towels.
Shower Amenities at the Qantas International Business Class Lounge Sydney
The bathroom was stocked with Li’Tya shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand wash and hand cream which was also a nice addition. Although they’re showing their age, the showers were clean and had a functional set up with practical storage.
Qantas International Business Lounge Summary
This Business Class lounge is spacious and has a variety of seating available. The large windows that pan across the entire lounge provide a lot of natural light and fantastic views of the Sydney skyline and the tarmac.
Considering anyone is able to purchase a casual day pass for a reasonable price, the lounge loses a bit of an exclusive feel. Despite this, the lounge still provided a very clean and comfortable area to relax in pre-departure. The layout, seating options and food available met our expectations and made our flying experience much more enjoyable.
We would have liked to see more power points in the lounge, as well as a dedicated workstation with more functional seating.
If you’re having a layover in Sydney, the Qantas International Business Class lounge should definitely be on your list! Get in touch with an airfare specialist today who can get you there!