New Qantas club opens at Melbourne Airport's domestic terminal

In an airport handling 36 million passengers a year, and at one end of the world's second busiest route (with Sydney at the other), the national carrier needs to put its best foot forward. And the new Qantas Club at Melbourne's domestic terminal sees the airline doing just that.

Continuing the long associate with award-winning architects Woods Bagot, the completed new Qantas Lounge has begun welcoming patrons. Qantas commenced redoing lounge area in January, while continuing operation, though restricting guests accompanying members and eligible travellers due to reduced space.

Capacity has been upped, with more efficient design that also includes more power and USB points.

The look is in keeping with that which Woods Bagot has installed in the wider lounge update project thus far: natural tones and foliage to create a warm, relaxed, inviting space. Here, the palette and textures pay tribute to the Great Ocean Road and furnishings including long banquettes, and extended oval island lounges make the most of the elongated space.

Food offerings are ramped up, with an amped up, Neil Perry-designed buffet and barista coffee.

Construction on the adjacent Business Lounge will start this week and is set to open to customers in September. The entire area will be completed and fully functional by November. Combined, the lounges will be able to accommodate around 130 more people.

Practically new dual reception desks mean business class lounge users will have a separate entrance – they previously traipsed through the Qantas Club to get to their enclave.