Virgin Australia now has seven domestic lounges within its network. In this guide, we run through the lounges in each city, what to expect when you use a lounge, a quick look at Virgin Australia’s paid lounge program and the (few) credit cards that offer Virgin Australia lounge access as a perk.
What can I expect in a Virgin Australia domestic lounge?
All of Virgin Australia’s lounges offer buffet food, soft drinks and alcoholic drinks. Spirits are not usually available but sometimes pop up on occasion. In-house barista-made coffee is available for that caffeine fix, particularly before the morning bank of flights.
Outside of food and drink, you’ll get access to power to charge your devices, seating (unless it’s really busy), and, hopefully, a quieter and more restful space to hang out in before your flight and do some work, make some calls, or whatever you prefer.
For getting work done, you’ll get free Wi-Fi access which is generally fast enough for basic use, but perhaps not for uploading huge chunks of data.
Lounges reduce the stress of travel. Having somewhere defined to go before your flight makes it more relaxing, particularly when you can settle down with a nibble and a tipple before the flight. Showers are available too.
Where are Virgin Australia’s domestic lounges?
Unfortunately, Virgin Australia trimmed its lounge network in late 2020 following a review of its costs. The airline’s Alice Springs, Cairns, Darwin, Mackay, and Perth T2 lounges were axed, along with its affiliation with ‘My Lounge’ at Brisbane Airport, which is now the Aspire Lounge.
With that in mind, here are Virgin Australia’s current lounge locations, all of which are located within the domestic terminals:
Most Virgin lounges are visually engaging and a nice space to spend some time before your flight. They match the Virgin Australia brand and style and have common architectural signature elements, including a ‘leaf’ pattern lighting on the ceiling.
The exception, of course, the airline’s new flagship Adelaide lounge which opened in February 2021 to great fanfare after a year of COVID-related delays. Virgin Australia also has three invitation-only lounges for members of Virgin Australia Beyond. These are found in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Inside the Virgin Australia Melbourne lounge
Virgin Australia’s stunning Melbourne lounge features a brand-new look, while still being a familiar sight for frequent flyers. New cheeky signage welcomes you into the space, which is now divided into separate zones.
- ‘Wake Up’ Coffee Bar: a central café staffed by professional baristas
- ‘Wind Down’ Wine Bar: your go-to hub for local beers, ciders and wines
- ‘Get Down to Business’ centre: Meeting rooms for hire, PCs and printing facilities (temporarily closed)
In terms of lounge seating, there are also four distinct areas:
- Gallery Lounge: Comfy chairs and ottomans as you take in the expansive views from the windows
- Sunroom: Cosy seating areas for you to chill with a loved one, friend or colleague
- Long Stay: Conveniently located next to the Wine Bar, this is where solo travellers can catch up on work or unwind
- Workbenches: Offering plenty of power and data ports to stay connected on the fly
The Virgin Melbourne lounge also shows off a seasonal menu which rolled out across the country. Dishes will rotate monthly from a range of menus. Enjoy the likes of:
- Sourdough toast with smashed avo, fetta and chilli flakes
- Penne bolognaise with parmesan
- Potato rosti with crispy bacon and baked beans
- Karaage chicken with slaw and mayonnaise
- Mediterranean plate with falafel, tabouli and hummus
- Freshly baked cookies
- Scones topped with fresh cream and Jam Gelato cups
Take a virtual tasting tour with us below! Fresh sandwiches, wraps, salads, and healthy snacks will continue to be offered.
Inside the Virgin Australia Adelaide lounge
Virgin Australia’s latest lounge in Adelaide boasts a fresh new design by WMK Architecture that is being rolled out to the airline’s future lounge spaces (such as Melbourne, above).
But the Adelaide lounge is noticeably warmer in atmosphere, with an eclectic mix of clean white curves, sandstone, wood panelling and the occasional injection of fiery red and black in the dining area. There’s also a better demarcation of zones for relaxing and for having a nibble.
- ‘Library’ is a dedicated work area with PCs, printing facilities, and power sockets to keep topped up.
- ‘Gallery Lounge’ is a space to relax with lounge chairs and a TV.
- ‘Sunroom’ is also designed to be a cosy place to chill out.
- ‘Long Stay’ is tucked away from the entrance and has a wide variety of seating.
Inside the Virgin Australia Sydney lounge
This lounge occupies two levels in the Virgin Australia domestic terminal. The upper level offers good views across the tarmac of Sydney’s domestic and international arrivals. The bottom level is not so great, looking out on the rooftops.
Passengers travelling in Business Class can use Premium Entry with no checked baggage, as can Velocity Gold and Platinum members. However, it currently only opens on weekday mornings.
This quirky video from the airline shows a comparison between the experience of being a ‘regular’ passenger and one using Premium Entry:
Inside the Virgin Australia Brisbane lounge
Virgin Australia opened the new Brisbane lounge in late 2015, with Richard Branson present. It features a large atrium entry, cafe and, like in Sydney, Premium Entry for eligible travellers.
Designed for those with only hand luggage, Premium Entry is a real-time-saver, offering direct lounge access and security clearance from the terminal entrance. Check the Virgin Australia website for the latest info on when Premium Entry is open.
Inside the Virgin Australia Perth lounge
The Perth Domestic T1 lounge reopened in late 2015 as part of the airport’s $1 billion redevelopment. It serves most Virgin Australia flights leaving Perth out of the new terminal.
For comparison purposes, it is slightly smaller than the Brisbane lounge. Virgin Australia has focussed heavily on the use of glass, making this lounge attractive for plane spotters.
How can I access Virgin Australia lounges?
1. Through a credit card
Unlike Qantas in recent years, Virgin have kept lounge access from credit cards pretty tight. Only two personal cards from American Express and one other Visa card offer any kind of lounge benefit.
The American Express Platinum Charge has unlimited access for you and a guest included as part of its expansive benefits for a high annual fee.
Unfortunately, we have confirmed with Virgin Australia’s Lounge Coordinator that the American Express Platinum Card lounge benefits cannot be combined with any other form of unlimited lounge entry.
This means that if you hold that Amex card and also Velocity Gold status, you would not be able to combine the lounge guest benefits to bring in two guests — still only one guest allowed overall.
The only exception to this rule is single access lounge passes, which can be used to bring in extra guests above your entitlement.
In addition, the following credit cards include two single-entry lounge passes per year:
2. By flying Business Class
If you are travelling on a paid or reward seat Business Class ticket, you’ll get access when departing or arriving* on a Virgin Australia flight. However, unlike Qantas Business Class passengers, who can usually bring one guest, you can’t bring any guests in.
3. With Velocity Frequent Flyer status
Velocity Gold members (+ 1 guest) and Platinum members (+ 3 guests) gain access both on departure and arrival* when flying Virgin Australia. This is quite a generous offer. For comparison purposes, Qantas only grants on-arrival access to Platinum frequent flyers and higher.
Here are some of the cheapest ways to get Velocity Gold status through a status run. You might also apply for a ‘Discover Gold’ status challenge for three months of Gold-grade perks, including lounge access.
Silver members get two single-entry passes a year, which cannot be transferred to other passengers but can be used for a guest when you are travelling with them.
4. With airline partner frequent flyer status
You and at least one guest will gain access to the lounge when departing on a Virgin Australia flight and holding Gold status or above with partners like Air Canada, Etihad, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, United Airlines and Virgin Atlantic.
5. With a Virgin Australia Lounge membership or pass
Virgin usually sells access to their lounges, either on an annual membership basis or for single-use access. As of 7 July 2021, you can buy a membership starting from A$399 with the joining fee waived. Rates increase from 1 July 2024, though. There’ll be a $99 joining fee, and the yearly membership charges increase to $450.
Membership allows you to also bring in a guest and two children aged 2-12 years old. Many employers and professional associations will offer significant discounts on the joining and annual fees.
Lifetime memberships are also available again, remaining at A$9,750 for general members and A$6,750 for seniors aged 60 years and over at the time of purchase. Lifetime members are eligible to use Virgin’s Premium Entry facilities in Sydney and Brisbane.
Virgin Australia Lounge membership is handy if you fly with the airline regularly, but don’t have elite Gold or Platinum status yet (for example, you might be booking the cheapest fare or just using points for reward seats). Membership lets you into the domestic lounges before any Virgin or partner airline flight, along with one guest.
At the current yearly price of $399, we think it’s good value if you plan to fly in Economy at least 14 times or more in the next 12 months. That works out to be up to $29 a visit. Of course, your travel should be between cities where there are Virgin Australia lounges to kick back in.
You’ll get even more bang for your buck if you travel with a companion frequently and take advantage of on-arrival access when it’s reinstated.
6. Using Velocity Points or cash
You can purchase a single-access pass for $65 at the door, but this can be used only two hours before your onward flight.
Lounge access may be cheaper at pre-paid rates if purchased in conjunction with a flight in the same booking—this will show up as an extra before you reach the final check-out stage.
There was previously an option to swap 10,000 Velocity Points for a lounge pass, but this isn’t being offered right now.
Can I access Virgin Australia lounges on arrival?
The following passengers could step off a Virgin Australia flight and access the lounge in their arrival city, subject to space constraints:
- Business Class passengers (no time limit)
- Velocity Gold and Platinum status holders (up to 60 minutes)
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Gold members (up to 60 minutes)
- Virgin Lounge members (up to 60 minutes)
This is perfect for freshening up or having a quick snack before continuing on with your day. Velocity Silver status holders and those using single-use passes (e.g. from a credit card) are not eligible for access on arrival.
How many children can I bring to Virgin Australia lounges?
The ability to bring children in excess of your normal guest allowance is possible in some circumstances. Virgin Australia defines children as ‘twelve or under’ for the purpose of lounge access.
- Velocity Gold and Platinum passengers can bring in up to two children to any domestic Virgin Australia lounge in addition to their normal guest allowance
- Business Class passengers cannot bring in any children as guests unless the children are also flying Business Class. Only infants under two years of age are exempt
- In all other international airports with lounge access, children are counted as part of your guest allowance thus you can only bring one
Summing up
Virgin Australia now has a downsized lounge network, in line with the airline’s transition from full-service to mid-market carrier. But it’s still a good place to relax before your next flight.
You may also be interested in reading our definitive guide to Qantas lounges, and also check out how to choose the best lounge before your next flight.
Supplementary images courtesy respective airlines and lounges. This article was previously written by Matt Moffitt. Updates by Chris Chamberlin.
Sydney used to have a “Premium Entry” with its own security down at the end of the terminal but the last few years it’s always been closed whenever I was flying. What are the hours supposed to be?
Any news on when the Melbourne International Virgin Lounge is reopening?
I saw they have opened a beyond lounge but apparently it’s super exclusive and invite only or with no other lounge open are they just inviting all international business traveller’s?
I have a flight in 2 weeks so hoping to get some info so i know if to go early to the airport or not.
Virgin don’t operate any international lounges. The Beyond lounge you mention is located in domestic terminals. Unfortunately, it seems that there is no alternative lounge access being offered before international Virgin Australia flights. You could visit the domestic lounge instead, leaving time to walk across and clear international immigration/security. Or if you have Amex lounge passes or Priority Pass, there are a few alternatives inside the international terminal as well.
I’m assuming when you write Virgin card you are talking about the Virgin Money High Flyer card.
Their T&Cs in regards to the lounge passes is:
You will become eligible for your two Single-Entry Virgin Australia domestic Lounge passes upon card activation in your first year and then each anniversary thereafter.
Therefore, if these passes were not transferred to your account, I would contact Virgin Money and advise them of this to see what they can do for you.
With regards to the unlimited VA lounge access with AMEX Platinum, does one have to be flying on a VA flight?
JL
Flo
May 7, 2018 at 3:39 pm • Reply
Hey Guys,
I’m fairly certain but wanted to make sure – re becoming a silver member with VA you get the two free lounge entry passes. I am the silver member and my husband is red.
He will be travelling without me – can I give him the passes to use or no as they are loaded onto my velocity card.
Its such a shame they will go to waste now as next time we fly together I will be a gold member by then.
I’m fairly certain but wanted to make sure – re becoming a silver member with VA you get the two free lounge entry passes. I am the silver member and my husband is red.
He will be travelling without me – can I give him the passes to use or no as they are loaded onto my velocity card.
Its such a shame they will go to waste now as next time we fly together I will be a gold member by then.
Having said that, it is up to the lounge agent’s discretion but I doubt you’d want to spend more than two hours in the lounge in most instances.
Am i able to access any Sydney Virgin Lounge using the Amex 2 complimentary passes with the velocity platinum or do I need to be in business class?
Im not sure if they have a Lounge for economy travellers.
Is it better to withhold the passes for Cairns Lounge? Do they have all day menu?
thanks
I asked both Amex and Virgin what the story was. Amex (Usually through a US or UK call center) did their best and determined we both should’ve had access (But they’re not the ones running the lounges). Virgin basically said “Check with Amex”.
When I was passing-through another time on a business class ticket, I asked again and the lady at the door quickly responded that it’s me and a guest.