Another lounge visit, this time at the Qantas Club in Cairns. Normally, I’d fly Virgin Australia since I hold Gold Status, but with no lounge there, I used points to fly Qantas. Conveniently, my Qantas credit card included a lounge pass, perfect timing! I genuinely share my loyalty between both airlines.
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There are several ways to access the Qantas Club and Business lounges. Business Class passengers on Qantas and select partner airlines enjoy complimentary entry. Memberships, such as Qantas Club, also provide access, as do eligible credit cards or single entry lounge passes. Certain elite frequent flyers can enter as part of their status, which offer multiple convenient options for travellers.
The lounge in Cairns is tucked away upstairs, accessible via escalators above the retail and dining area, giving it a more private feel compared to the bustle of the terminal below.
It’s a surprisingly spacious lounge, featuring more modern seating compared to some of the other Qantas Club lounges, creating a fresher and more comfortable atmosphere.
However, I find it feels a bit sterile compared to the warmth and atmosphere of some of the Virgin Australia lounges. But thats just my opinion.
There’s a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available, including tea and coffee. Since it’s past midday, I pour myself a glass of Chardonnay. The Southerly from South Australia is a pleasant drop, and I really enjoy it.
From the bain-marie, there’s a selection of hot dishes, or as they call it, ‘all-day dining.’ Options include Mongolian beef, Hokkien noodles, ginger and sesame stir-fried vegetables, and what looks like a hearty potato and leek soup.
Of course, one can always make their own toastie, the true staple of any Australian airport lounge. Here, though, there’s also the option of using tortilla bread, perfect for creating a wrap if you’re after something a little different.
I skip the toastie (something I can easily make at home!) and instead opt for the Hokkien noodles with Mongolian beef. The noodles are bland and lacking flavour, but the beef is tasty with crisp vegetables, overall passable, though nothing remarkable. I pair it with a refreshing post-mix cola.
Later, I try the penne pasta with salsa verde, sundried tomatoes, and olives. It’s a refreshing dish, though a rather unusual choice for a lounge offering. Still, I find myself quite enjoying it. Paired with a glass of the Southerly Chardonnay which is a delightful drop.
Of course, the real highlight for me was the view across the tarmac. Front and centre was Jetstar’s bright A320, VH-VGF, famously nicknamed the Jaffa Jet, with a Qantas 737 lifting off in the background.
And here comes my ride, a Qantas Airbus A330-200. Quite a rare sight in Cairns for a domestic service! I’ll share more about the journey back to Sydney soon.
I’ve had a fantastic time in Cairns and enjoyed relaxing at the Qantas Club before my journey home. Stay tuned for more updates from my Cairns adventures and details of my flight back, lots more stories and highlights still to come!
Cairns and the Tropical North.
Matty Somewhere 