I’ll say it upfront: for a temporary lounge, this is seriously impressive.

The Qantas International Business Lounge, located at Gate 25, feels nothing like a stop-gap solution. In fact, in a few key ways, it actually improves on the permanent lounge that’s currently being refurbished.

Light, space, and that runway connection

Light, space, and that runway connection

The first thing you notice is the light. The lounge is bright, airy, and open — far lighter than the older space. Being so close to the runway gives it a completely different energy; you genuinely feel connected to the airport. There’s constant movement outside, aircraft taxiing, ground activity — it feels good in anticipation your imminent departure.

This is a big contrast to the old lounge, where runway views were partially blocked by rooflines, air-conditioning units, and industrial-looking structures. Here, the outlook is clean and engaging, and it makes a huge difference to how the space feels.

As a fun bonus, there’s a clear view of a Garuda Indonesia Pikachu-themed A330 parked nearby — a splash of colour on the tarmac and genuinely fun to watch while you’re having a coffee.

A space that actually works

The design is smart and cohesive. Light-coloured furniture complements the natural daylight, keeping everything calm and modern rather than feeling temporary or thrown together. Seating is comfortable, there are plenty of charging points, and even when it’s busy, the lounge doesn’t feel chaotic.

Food & drink: looked great (even if I didn’t eat)

I didn’t actually eat during this visit — this was lounge number three for the morning (after SkyTeam and Plaza Premium), and I was saving myself for the aircraft. That said, everything on offer looked genuinely solid.

The buffet presentation was clean and well maintained, with fresh fruit that actually looked fresh — yoghurt, watermelon, muesli — plus a full kitchen running and a solid self-service setup. There’s also a proper bar offering alcohol and a barista coffee station that’s well staffed, with multiple people working it, so queues move quickly.

Staff make the difference

What really elevates this lounge is the staff attentiveness. Even at peak times, the team is constantly visible — clearing tables, vacuuming floors, tidying the buffet area, and keeping the space looking sharp.

This is something frequent travellers notice immediately. Many lounges start to look tired when they’re busy — food on the floor, messy counters, plates stacking up — but that just isn’t happening here. The lounge stays clean, orderly, and welcoming, which makes the whole experience feel more premium.

Final thoughts

For a temporary lounge at Gate 25, this is a standout. The natural light, runway views, engaging atmosphere, strong food offering, and genuinely attentive staff make it feel like a space Qantas actually cares about — not just a placeholder.

If this is the standard they’re happy to set while refurbishing, it sets a very high bar for what’s coming next.