Serving both domestic and international passengers, the Gold Coast Qantas Club is a little different to most. Without a separate Qantas Domestic (or international) Business Lounge here, it’s the go-to space for many frequent flyers.

Whether you’re beginning your journey in Queensland or your visit marks the start of a journey home, here’s what to expect here in Coolangatta.

Location

Nestled just beyond security, you’ll find the Gold Coast Qantas Club on the left-hand side of the main concourse. And speaking of security, the priority screening lane here works well.

Despite a long queue in the general line, use of the fast-track lane means I’m through to the lounge within minutes. Modern baggage scanners at Gold Coast Airport also make it possible to leave all laptops and aerosols inside. This speeds things up even more.

Still, the lounge’s subtle entrance is easy to miss. Tucked away at the end of a white and grey corridor, there’s nothing distinctive to catch your eye – so keep a lookout for the signs.

This lounge opens one hour before the day’s first Qantas flight departure and closes when the last Qantas flight is called for boarding. It also serves eligible passengers travelling on Air New Zealand: more on that later.

The Qantas Club layout and seating at the Gold Coast

At Gold Coast Airport, the Qantas Club provides a cosy space with an array of seating. Being a busy airport, but not a capital city, the lounge adopts many of the elements you’d expect at those larger hub lounges.

For instance, this space offers many zones for kicking back and relaxing. That’s countered by the presence of several working benches with power at the ready. There’s also a small Joey Club area in the corner for kids.

Pops of blue against a brown backdrop give the lounge a local feel, drawing inspiration from the Gold Coast’s iconic beaches. Other parts of the space instead reflect the more standard Qantas Club design.

Separate to the main space, there’s also a private meeting room tucked away.

Prior to the pandemic, Qantas would allow travellers to book – and pay for – these spaces. But now, this area serves as a ‘VIP lounge’ as needed, or can be left open to provide additional seating during peak times.

Of course, while Qantas has a private Chairman’s Lounge at Brisbane Airport, it doesn’t offer the same at Coolangatta. That’s where the meeting room comes into play, as a welcome escape for those in the public eye.

Food and beverage in the Gold Coast Qantas Club

With buffets back in Queensland, food at the Gold Coast Qantas Club is all self-service. To kickstart your day, expect staples like fresh fruit salads, yoghurts and muesli. This morning tea-time visit also finds bites such as green tea tiramisu and baked hot cross buns.

Hot options during the morning can include croissants and frittatas – and of course, there’s all-day barista coffee. Some beverages like soft drinks and water are self-service, although the DIY coffee machine directs you to the barista counter instead.