First look: Qantas Domestic Business Lounge, Adelaide

Adelaide is the latest city – and the sixth in Australia, overall – to host a Qantas Domestic Business Lounge.

Pitched at Business Class passengers and Platinum frequent flyers, including those on the airline’s newly announced international flights from Adelaide to Auckland, the lounge promises a quieter space and enhanced dining options over the neighbouring Qantas Club.

There’s room for around 190 passengers in an expansive, open-plan layout which draws inspiration from the colours of Kangaroo Island. Travellers can also expect the flavours of South Australia to take centre stage at the Market Kitchen. Here’s what you can expect inside.

Inside the Adelaide Domestic Business Lounge

Entering from the Adelaide Lounge Precinct, passengers eligible for the Domestic Business Lounge will veer left into a curved hallway that opens up to the lounge space proper.

This might just be Qantas’ most eye-catching lounge to date, with earthy hues galore. The buffet area is clad in clay red, while most of the lounge seating takes on a shade of deep green or brown. But the central bar stands out, thanks in part to a custom blown glass light installation from JamFactory.

As with most new lounges, the space is subtly divided into different zones for dining and relaxation.

Moving on from the dining area, the main lounge seating surrounds the windows (but most of the views are of the public areas rather than the apron). There’s a mix of social and solo seats, but the vibe is undeniably communal. The vast majority of seats have access to AC power, USB-A and USB-C charging ports.

One aspect that may have been overlooked is a dedicated ‘office’ area – something we also noticed with the neighbouring Adelaide Qantas Club. The best spot to hunker down and work is a small curtained-off area towards the rear of the lounge, which is first-come, first-served.

As a lounge for both domestic and international passengers, there are four shower suites (one of which is accessible). These rooms feature Li’Tya spa products and ample space for passengers to refresh.

What to eat and drink in the Adelaide Business Lounge

Perth has a pizza station while Melbourne boasts the Spice Bar. Adelaide’s feature dining concept is the Market Kitchen, highlighting fresh local produce from stalls at the Adelaide Central Markets. Dishes on rotation include pies from Skala Bakery, while over at the buffet, you’ll find deli meats and smallgoods from Marino’s.

Of course, the lounge also champions South Australia’s vibrant regional wines. Drops on rotation currently include Torbreck’s Woodcutter’s Shiraz 2023 and The Lane Vineyard’s Pinot Noir 2024. Over at the bar, you might want to indulge in a signature Adelaide Hills G&T with Applewood Gin, Midnight Mixer tonic and hopped grapefruit.

For the non-alcoholic drinkers, Maggie Beer’s Sparkling Ruby Cabernet is an interesting pick. You’ll also find the usual Quench hydration stations with Bickford’s cordial (the passionfruit is delicious mixed with some sparkling water).

In line with other Qantas domestic lounges, the bar opens fully at midday. But of course, baristas are on hand from opening until close to deliver freshly-brewed coffees.

Summing up

Adelaide is arguably Qantas’ best domestic Business Lounge now. With ample space, a premium fitout and a strong focus on local food and beverages, passengers will find much to like here.

Apart from Qantas’ own flights, this space will also welcome premium passengers with selected partner airlines, including Emirates and Air New Zealand. If you want to experience this lounge for yourself with points, the cheapest Business Reward (flying to Melbourne, for example) starts from 18,400 Qantas Points + fees and taxes.

Photography by Brandon Loo, who attended the media preview as a guest of Qantas.