Hi All, does anyone know why the Darwin QClub is of a higher standard than either of the Sydney or Melbourne business lounges? Talking soft product (catering especially) rather than the space itself, even though it is great too.
I think it is dual purposes for international and domestic flights, but still surprised how much better it is as an offering.
In its current state, it only opened a few years ago after a significant revamp and expansion, so by nature is much more 'modern' than the lounges in Sydney and Melbourne which have been open for a much longer time. Having said that, the Qantas Melbourne lounges will look very different once the renovations are complete.
That certainly explains the physical space Chris, but not the soft offering. It is way better than either of the business lounges in that sense as well and I would go as far as to say better than Perth business lounge which is of a similar vintage.
It is easily the best domestic lounge I’ve been in across the country.
Well the MEL Domestic Lounges are currently being refurbished so you should probably hold off a bit on a judgment till that's complete. The SYD Lounges could do with a refurbishment as well.
Darwin is a long way from a lot of places so customers are probably flying on more expensive flights to begin with. Easier to be able to offer a high lounge standard when you're making a higher margin per passenger on the flights.
In e.g. MEL and SYD there is a separate lounge for Business Class passengers whereas there isn't in Darwin. Lounges that cater to both Business Class passengers and QANTAS Club members at major airports tend to be better QANTAS Club lounges. ADL, CNS and OOL are some good examples. HBA may serve a capital city but the lounge space is small and the lounge is very poor compared with other capital city lounges.
There's obviously a range of other factors too, like how much the fees are to rent the lounge space from the airport, the staff costs and other expenses.
Yes I would have to agree, without a doubt the best Qantas club in Oz and as good as many of the business lounges, aside from it’s new open feel the food is always good, an Asian dish of chicken or fish is normally available, rice, hot chips or wedges, plus the standard food selection, a real Asian tone to the offering that has become the norm across a lot of Darwin along with great staff, I will be there again Thursday for the flight to BNE, lucky me.
I live in Darwin and very fortunate to have a great Qantas Club to enjoy prior to flights. I have recently visited Sydney domestic J lounge and agree with OP that the food offering is far superior in Darwin! The Sydney lounge ran out of towels too so I could not even shower there! Always plenty of towels to wash off the tropical sweat and good variety of food. And plenty of space to lounge in :)
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Darwin Qantas Club
Steve987
Steve987
Member since 23 Feb 2015
Total posts 268
Hi All, does anyone know why the Darwin QClub is of a higher standard than either of the Sydney or Melbourne business lounges? Talking soft product (catering especially) rather than the space itself, even though it is great too.
Chris C.
Chris C.
Member since 24 Apr 2012
Total posts 1,116
In its current state, it only opened a few years ago after a significant revamp and expansion, so by nature is much more 'modern' than the lounges in Sydney and Melbourne which have been open for a much longer time. Having said that, the Qantas Melbourne lounges will look very different once the renovations are complete.
Steve987
Steve987
Member since 23 Feb 2015
Total posts 268
That certainly explains the physical space Chris, but not the soft offering. It is way better than either of the business lounges in that sense as well and I would go as far as to say better than Perth business lounge which is of a similar vintage.
mviy
mviy
Member since 05 May 2016
Total posts 322
Well the MEL Domestic Lounges are currently being refurbished so you should probably hold off a bit on a judgment till that's complete. The SYD Lounges could do with a refurbishment as well.
Steve987
Steve987
Member since 23 Feb 2015
Total posts 268
Hmmm that doesn’t really justify it in my mind (though it might explain it!!).
mviy
mviy
Member since 05 May 2016
Total posts 322
Oh, I missed the Business lounge mention in your post. I thought you were comparing Darwin QANTAS Club with MEL and SYD QANTAS Club.
GBRGB
GBRGB
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 21 Jan 2014
Total posts 295
Yes I would have to agree, without a doubt the best Qantas club in Oz and as good as many of the business lounges, aside from it’s new open feel the food is always good, an Asian dish of chicken or fish is normally available, rice, hot chips or wedges, plus the standard food selection, a real Asian tone to the offering that has become the norm across a lot of Darwin along with great staff, I will be there again Thursday for the flight to BNE, lucky me.
airADL
airADL
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 25 Mar 2014
Total posts 214
It is a fantastic lounge, the food is very nice and staff excellent.
silentiger86
silentiger86
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 23 Dec 2017
Total posts 90
I live in Darwin and very fortunate to have a great Qantas Club to enjoy prior to flights. I have recently visited Sydney domestic J lounge and agree with OP that the food offering is far superior in Darwin! The Sydney lounge ran out of towels too so I could not even shower there! Always plenty of towels to wash off the tropical sweat and good variety of food. And plenty of space to lounge in :)