Lounge Review: Qantas International First Lounge (Terminal 1) - Sydney Airport (SYD)
On a recent trip to Auckland, I opted to route through Sydney with Qantas, forgoing the usual direct flight on Singapore Airlines from Singapore. While the nonstop SQ service remains the most convenient (offering ample time to rest and arrive refreshed), ticket prices have steadily crept up in recent years. More importantly, I’ve been focusing on maintaining my oneworld status, which means shifting some of my long-haul flights away from Star Alliance.
Lounge Entrance
Qantas International First Lounge (Terminal 1) - Sydney Airport (SYD)
Despite holding Qatar Airways Privilege Club Platinum (oneworld Emerald), Qantas (like many oneworld carriers) does not support linking both frequent flyer number (FQTV) and frequent traveller status (FQTS) at check-in. This meant I had to make a choice: earn status credits on my Qantas Frequent Flyer account, or enjoy guaranteed oneworld Emerald benefits through my Qatar Airways Privilege Club membership. I chose the former for the status run, but decided to try my luck at the lounge anyway.
Main Dining Area
Qantas International First Lounge (Terminal 1) - Sydney Airport (SYD)
At the entrance of the Qantas International First Lounge in Sydney, I was greeted by Nestor, who couldn’t have been more welcoming. I enquired if my oneworld Emerald status from Qatar Airways would still grant me access despite my flight being credited to Qantas. With no hesitation, he confirmed it wouldn’t be an issue. A quick flash of my digital membership card and QR number later, I was warmly welcomed into the lounge - an indulgent space that consistently ranks among the best First Class lounges worldwide.
Private Shower Suite
Qantas International First Lounge (Terminal 1) - Sydney Airport (SYD)
You’ll probably notice that the photos in this trip report aren’t up to my usual standard and that’s largely due to how packed the lounge was during my visit. I wasn’t originally planning to review the Qantas International First Lounge in Sydney, especially since it has been around for years and is well-documented across the web. Still, since I have a few decent shots from my iPhone, I thought it would be worth sharing my own impressions - especially given how it performed on this particular visit.
Private Shower Suite
Qantas International First Lounge (Terminal 1) - Sydney Airport (SYD)
After arriving on an overnight flight from Singapore, the first order of business was to freshen up. I headed straight for the private shower suites, which offer an attached toilet and a separate rain shower. The rain shower is ideal if you’re looking for a full-body refresh, though perhaps less practical if you’re hoping to keep your hair dry. Towels and amenities - including disposable toothbrushes - are provided, though I did notice that not all items were replenished between guests. While this is easily resolved by requesting replacements from the staff, it’s a small detail that stood out, particularly for a lounge positioned as Qantas’ international flagship.
Bath Amenities
Qantas International First Lounge (Terminal 1) - Sydney Airport (SYD)
Bath amenities in the Qantas International First Lounge are provided by LaGaia, an Australian luxury skincare brand known for its clean, botanically-driven formulations and spa-grade quality. The brand is a long-time partner of Qantas, and its products are consistently featured across Qantas First Class lounges globally. You’ll find the signature range in the shower suites, including a revitalising body wash, nourishing shampoo, and conditioner—all housed in sleek, wall-mounted bulk dispensers.
Dining Room
Qantas International First Lounge (Terminal 1) - Sydney Airport (SYD)
Although I had to walk past the main dining area to access the shower suites, I found it slightly odd that I was asked to return to the front of the restaurant to be seated - even though there were several empty tables available towards the rear of the lounge, closer to the showers. That said, once I was shown to my table, service began swiftly. I was promptly offered a choice of still or sparkling water, and my coffee order was taken without delay.
Extensive Beverage Menu
Qantas International First Lounge (Terminal 1) - Sydney Airport (SYD)
One of the standout features of the Qantas International First Lounge in Sydney is its full à la carte dining experience - an elevated alternative to the standard buffet setup found in many airport lounges. The menu, curated by Neil Perry’s Rockpool team, is complemented by an extensive beverage list featuring barista-made coffee, made-to-order cocktails, a thoughtful selection of wines, Champagne, and premium spirits. As tempting as a glass of bubbles might have been, it was just past 6:00AM, so I sensibly stuck with coffee for this visit.
Signature Breakfast
Qantas International First Lounge (Terminal 1) - Sydney Airport (SYD)
I visited the Qantas International First Lounge on 2 June 2025, and the lounge was still serving its Autumn Breakfast menu - likely in its final days before the seasonal transition to the Winter offering. I went with the Signature Breakfast, which included two almost-perfectly poached eggs, crispy bacon, a pork chipolata, a golden hash brown, and roasted tomatoes.
Coffee and Cold Pressed Juice
Qantas International First Lounge (Terminal 1) - Sydney Airport (SYD)
Beyond the hot dishes, the menu also features a thoughtful selection of cold-pressed juices and Indigenous-crafted teas, which adds a uniquely local dimension to the lounge experience. I opted for a cold-pressed juice made from watermelon, green apple, strawberry, and lime. Unfortunately, my coffee didn’t arrive with the rest of my order. It wasn’t a major inconvenience, and the oversight was quickly addressed once I flagged it with the server attending my section. Still, for a flagship First Class lounge, small service lapses like this do stand out.
Tarmac View from Dining Area
Qantas International First Lounge (Terminal 1) - Sydney Airport (SYD)
It is no secret that the Qantas First Lounge in Sydney offers some of the best tarmac views in the entire oneworld network. Perched above the main terminal with sweeping floor-to-ceiling windows, the lounge overlooks several active gates, taxiways, and one of the airport’s main runways.
Seating Area
Qantas International First Lounge (Terminal 1) - Sydney Airport (SYD)
The thoughtful layout of the lounge enhances the experience - regardless of where you’re seated. Whether you’re enjoying a meal in the main dining room or lounging with a glass of Champagne in the central seating area, you're treated to an uninterrupted panorama of aircraft movements. One of the unique highlights of the Qantas International First Lounge in Sydney is the spa. Offering a curated menu of complimentary 20-minute treatments ranging from facials to neck-and-shoulder massages, these treatments are administered by trained therapists using LaGaia’s signature skincare products, and appointments can typically be made on arrival at the lounge (though availability is limited, and early booking is highly recommended).
View from Lounge
Qantas International First Lounge (Terminal 1) - Sydney Airport (SYD)
The Qantas International First Lounge in Sydney continues to deliver an exceptional ground experience that sets the tone for premium travel across the oneworld network. From its refined à la carte dining and spa offering to panoramic airfield views and polished service (despite the occasional minor lapse), this flagship lounge remains a strong contender among the best First Class lounges in the region. If you hold oneworld Emerald status or are flying Qantas First Class, arriving early to enjoy everything this lounge has to offer is highly recommended.
Register now to earn 777 Bonus Points per night on eligible Hyatt stays at casino hotels between 14 July and 30 September 2025.