In late December 2025, Qantas quietly opened a temporary International Business Lounge at Sydney Airport as refurbishment works began on its main flagship space. Located near Gate 24 in Sydney’s Terminal 1, the lounge welcomes eligible Business Class passengers, Qantas Club members and Gold-grade frequent flyers as usual.
With the all-new Sydney International Business Lounge set to open in early 2027, this interim lounge will remain operational for over a year. If your travels take you to Sydney and beyond during that period, here’s what to expect inside.
A familiar sight, for some
The Qantas Sydney temporary lounge offers most of the same core experience as before, just in a smaller space. Importantly, Complimentary Lounge Passes are not accepted in this temporary lounge, limiting access to eligible passengers travelling in premium cabins or holding Gold status and higher.
To find it, look for signs towards Gate 24. The lounge entrance is on the right, at the site of the airline’s former lounge space from the late 90’s, and more recently, a long-haul crew room.
The main lounge space opens up from the bottom of the escalators, and it’s surprisingly on theme for a Qantas Lounge. It wouldn’t look out of place in another city. The all-important coffee cart is on your right, while the main buffet area is on the left. Expansive windows look out over the apron and gates.
A second overflow lounge area is located behind the escalators. Unlike the main room, this space is more reminiscent of a staff break area. At least the views are good, and it offers a quieter vibe than the dining area.
The lounge isn’t particularly optimised for work with limited charging ports, so plan accordingly. There are two phone charging stations if you need an urgent top-up. The Wi-Fi is blazing fast, though. Finally, there are shower rooms if you need to refresh before your journey.
Dining remains mostly the same
At breakfast, the selection includes your standard eggs, bacon and sausages for breakfast, along with fruit salad, yoghurts and pastries. A cart occasionally comes around with freshly-made bacon and egg rolls.
There’s no tended bar; instead, help yourself to a range of spirits, wines, beers and soft drinks from the fridges. Wines include Seppelt Fleur de Lys, The Lane Rose and Penfolds Koonunga Hill Cabernet Sauvignon.
As an international lounge, the bar is open around the clock, so you’re welcome to help yourself even in the mornings.
Third-party lounges are also in use
To help manage crowding and operational flow, Qantas is also directing some customers to third-party lounges. As reported on AFF, this could include sending select passengers to partner lounges such as the Air New Zealand Lounge, particularly for flights departing from more distant gates within the terminal.
Don’t expect the flashiest experience in Sydney while Qantas’ temporary lounge is open. It gets very crowded in the mornings, but the staff handle the flow well, and you’ll still be able to enjoy barista-made coffee, a light meal, and a shower if needed.
Until the new lounge opens in early 2027, passengers travelling through Sydney should allow extra time before departure and be prepared for a slightly different lounge experience while the works continue.
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Photography by Brandon Loo, who travelled at Point Hacks’ expense.
Do not waste your time if travelling during a peak period.
Visited the lounge 26/12/25 : – (
Let’s just say at that time I thought pity the staff who have to work here for a year!
I know complimentary passes are not valid, but does anyone know if your 1 guest is still eligible?
Complimentary passes are often given as incentives or rewards so validity dates should be extended.
Actually looks ok for a temporary lounge!
Funny how Qantas can send business class and elite passengers to AirNZ lounges but Virgin lets theirs passengers sit outside ….
Interesting. I wonder if they’ll allow an appt extension of all complimentary passes. I have some that expire at the end of the year, so they would go to waste unless Qantas pivots to a suitable adjustment or compensation.
Have to agree, we fly between Sydney and Rome 3 or 4 times a year, no Qantas Lounge in Rome or in Dubai on QF flights with Emirates.
Compensation?!!! Come on, it’s a complimentary pass!