On our way back to the Philippines, Jash and I had a six-hour layover in Brisbane — the kind of long transit that usually leaves you restless. Instead, it turned into one of the most comfortable parts of our journey, thanks to the Qantas International Business Lounge, located upstairs in the northern corner of the airside departures area, overlooking the concourse and Gate 80.
The moment we stepped inside, the noise of the terminal faded into a calm and refined space, designed with comfort, ease, and thoughtful details in mind.
Attentive Service That Makes a Difference
One of the first things we noticed — and appreciated — was how friendly and attentive the staff were. The lounge team moved quietly through the space, clearing plates, refreshing stations, and keeping everything spotless without disrupting the calm atmosphere.
A standout moment for us happened shortly after I took a few photos and PR with some of the staff. Not long after, the barista surprised us by crafting a frappe — completely unprompted. It was such a thoughtful, genuinely warm gesture that truly added a personal touch to our experience.
What We Personally Loved
As someone who prefers to stay productive during transit, this lounge made that incredibly easy. Our personal standouts:
- World class service by Staff, not just the barista — every interaction felt sincere and warm
- Excellent barista coffee that kept me fuelled and focused
- Charging ports conveniently located beside the sofa, which meant my laptop and mobile were always powered
- Quiet, cosy seating zones perfect for working without distraction
- A small business area for travellers who need a more focused workspace
- Fast, reliable Wi-Fi — genuinely strong enough for uploads, emails, and everything in between
It felt more like a comfortable co-working lounge than an airport transit space.
- The spacious seating options, from dining tables to plush lounge chairs
- The well-presented buffet, especially the warm dishes
- The steady drink options, from juices to coffee to sparkling beverages
- The calm atmosphere, which made the six hours feel surprisingly short
Everything was replenished consistently, clean, and beautifully laid out.
Breakfast and Lunch — A Pleasant Bonus
Because of our six-hour stay, we were able to enjoy both breakfast and lunch, which made the long layover feel effortless.
The food was well-presented, fresh, and offered plenty of variety across both services — something we both appreciated without needing to go back out into the terminal.
Freshening Up Made Simple
Although we didn’t use the shower rooms, it was great to know they offer shower suites, male and female toilets, and accessible facilities.
We simply freshened up instead — and appreciated the clean towels and spotless washrooms.
A Well-Designed Lounge Layout
The lounge is split across two levels. The lower level is the main area, while the upper level opens only when capacity increases. There’s also a lift available for those who need mobility access.
We loved how the lounge features:
- Different seating zones, from dining tables to relaxing lounge chairs
- Great visibility overlooking the concourse, making the space feel open and inviting
- Plenty of power outlets across almost every seating configuration
- A separate tea, water, and juice station tucked away from the main food area
The overall design is clean, intuitive, and well thought-out — perfect for long layovers.
What could have been a long, exhausting layover became a surprisingly enjoyable and refreshing part of our journey. The thoughtful staff, premium seating, excellent food and drinks, reliable Wi-Fi, well-placed charging ports, and the warm, consistent service — made our time at the Qantas International Business Lounge a standout experience.
If your travels take you through Brisbane, this lounge is more than just a waiting space.
It’s a polished, comfortable environment that enhances the entire journey and makes long transit hours feel effortless.
Liz Herradura
Marketing | North Travel
