Qantas is rolling out a quiet but major refresh of its Australian regional lounge network. The flying kangaroo has now completed refurbishments at seven regional lounges in Mackay, Coffs Harbour, Tamworth, Kalgoorlie, Rockhampton, Gladstone and Karratha as part of a broader multi-million-dollar investment across its network. On top of this, Devonport and Emerald are both expected to be finished by early July.
The refreshed lounges feature updated interiors, improved lighting, extra charging points and new entertainment screens, with colour palettes inspired by local landscapes. Qantas says the program aims to lift the experience for regional travellers and frequent flyers while modernising some of the carrier’s smaller airport spaces.
The upgrades form part of a wider lounge push that has also included new lounges in Adelaide and Auckland, works on the Sydney International Business Lounge and a refresh of the Los Angeles International Business Lounge.
Qantas Executive Manager Product and Service Sarah Udy said the airline was continuing to evolve its ground experience across the network.
“We’re always looking at ways to evolve the experience on the ground for our customers, frequent flyers and Qantas Club members, from expanding our food and beverage options to lounge builds and upgrades across the network,” she remarked.
“Our regional refresh program is near completion, and we’re pleased to be delivering a new standard of lounges for our customers to enjoy across regional Australia.”
When announcing the upgrade project in 2025, then-QantasLink CEO Rachel Yangoyan said it was about making sure that “we’re continuing to invest and deepen how we serve communities across the country for decades to come”.
“We’ve been part of regional Australia for more than 100 years. Delivering a great experience across the whole travel journey is important.”
Across the Tasman, Qantas has also expanded Platinum Dining at its Auckland International Lounge to include breakfast service for Platinum One and Platinum frequent flyers. The à la carte breakfast menu includes brioche French toast, Bircher muesli and avocado on sourdough, complementing existing lunch and dinner offerings designed by Neil Perry.
Qantas this week also introduced a Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin Spritz on tap across Qantas Clubs and domestic Business Lounges until mid-June. The new beverage was introduced to mark World Cocktail Day.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Regional lounge upgrades mightn’t sound flashy, but for frequent flyers and regional travellers, better seating, charging points and modern spaces can make a surprisingly big difference to the journey experience.
