Review - Qantas Airways Sydney First Lounge (SYD)
Qantas Airways Sydney First Lounge (SYD)
September 2026
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Review - Rosewood Matakauri
Review - The Lindis Lodge
Review - Manaia Lounge Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
Review - Virgin Australia Business Class B737 Max 8 Queenstown to Sydney
Review - Park Hyatt Sydney
Review - Qantas Airways Sydney First Lounge (SYD)
Review - Qantas Airways Business Class B737-800 Sydney to Auckland
Review - Qantas Airways Auckland International Lounge & Platinum Dining (AKL)
Review - Qantas Airways Business Class B787-9 Auckland to New York Kennedy
A Word from the Chef:
Qantas first class lounges hold a legendary status in the frequent flyer community, for its elevated dining, bold design and consistent service. Even though it was my first visit, I feel like I had already been there based on numerous reviews I’ve read over the years. Sometimes you learn about certain things but end up being disappointed by the real thing. This was not one of those times. I only wish we had more time to properly explore the lounge, ugh!
On a side note, I’ve reviewed the Qantas London lounge here. While it’s not technically a first class lounge, it does provide restaurant-style dining during select hours. Given how premium of a market London is, the menus are similar to what you’d find in its first class lounges.
Plat Principal:
Prior to our flight to Auckland, we briefly stopped by at the Qantas First Lounge at its biggest home base. As you’d expect, premium passengers are treated quite well, with dedicated check-in, fast track security and quality lounges. Qantas doesn’t actually operate a substantial first class fleet, as it’s only equipped on A380s. Therefore, the first class lounges are primarily for elite members. The Sydney first class lounge is a standalone facility and located just right after immigration.
Qantas Airways Sydney First Lounge (SYD) Entrance
At the top of these escalators was someone determining your eligibility.
Qantas Airways Sydney First Lounge (SYD) Entrance
You then have to walk further back towards another set of escalators.
Qantas Airways Sydney First Lounge (SYD) Lobby
Qantas Airways Sydney First Lounge (SYD) Lobby
You will at last reach the reception, where the staff will officially scan you in.
Qantas Airways Sydney First Lounge (SYD) Reception
Next to the reception was Qantas’s iconic retro departure board. How cool is this?! I honestly want one of these at home.
Qantas Airways Sydney First Lounge (SYD) Lobby
The Sydney lounge is essentially laid out along the exterior windows and offers one of the best lounge views in the world. Not only can you see the active runway but also the Sydney skyline, thanks to the giant glass panes.
Qantas Airways Sydney First Lounge (SYD) Seating
While there’s more seating to the right, the main part of the lounge was to the left, like the spa, the dining area and the bar. The design aesthetic kind of reminds me of the old Cathay Pacific the Wing First Class Lounge, albeit much quirkier.
Qantas Airways Sydney First Lounge (SYD) Seating
Qantas Airways Sydney First Lounge (SYD) Bar
Qantas Airways Sydney First Lounge (SYD) Dining Area
Qantas Airways Sydney First Lounge (SYD) Dining Area
Qantas first class lounges are known for à la carte dining, so you won’t find any buffet here. Our visit fell within breakfast hours. You can find the menu as follows:
Qantas Airways Sydney First Lounge (SYD) Breakfast Menu
Unfortunately, we only had about 30 minutes before boarding, so we just indulged on our last Aussie flat white😋.
Qantas Airways Sydney First Lounge (SYD) Breakfast Beverage
Opposite from the dining area were some work stations. I feel like they should’ve put these on the other end of the lounge, since I imagine the dining area could get noisy in peak periods. But maybe not, Aussies seem much more considerate than Americans.
Qantas Airways Sydney First Lounge (SYD) Work Stations
Another signature amenity of Qantas first lounges is the spa. Complimentary treatments are available, though they won’t be full-on hour-long affairs like those you’d pay for at a regular spa. The spa was closed when we were there, so its opening time must differ from that of the lounge.
Qantas Airways Sydney First Lounge (SYD) Spa
Digestif:
I’m so bummed that we didn’t have time to thoroughly enjoy the lounge this time around. However, I’m impressed even after the limited time we did spend there. The view was simply incredible. My eyes were glued to the morning traffic with heavies like Qantas and Emirates A380s, Singapore and Qatar 777s, China Airlines and Delta A359s… The Sydney skyline basking in the dusk sun didn’t hurt either. The service was refined, which is not the first thing I associate Australia with. But they sure can be posh down under. I would love to return and try the lunch or dinner menu, as I have yet to experience Neil Perry’s famous salt and pepper squid on the home turf. I’ve had like 100 at the London lounge over the years, though. Soon enough, we had to board our flight to Auckland.