I wish US domestic lounges were like this.

1. Introduction and Trip Planning
2. LAX Oneworld First Class Lounge
3. Qantas A380 LAX to SYD Economy
4. Park Hyatt Sydney Part I
5. Sydney Qantas Business Lounge
6. Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas
7. Exploring the Great Barrier Reef
8. Cairns Qantas Club Lounge
9. Park Hyatt Sydney Part II
10. Exploring Sydney
11. Sydney Qantas International First Class Lounge
12. Qantas 747 SYD to LAX Economy

With no desire to leave Port Douglas, we begrudgingly packed up the car and headed back on the road for the hour drive back to Cairns airport.

We dropped off the rental in minutes and headed straight in for checkin.  It seems silly but I really like the way Qantas clearly displays which Oneworld status can use which check-in lines, lounges, and lines for boarding.  As a Oneworld Emerald, we used the premium line to collect our boarding passes in minutes.

I robotically dumped out my liquids and prepared to take off my shoes/clothes to go through security.  The security guards were quick to let me know this is a domestic flight and “we don’t do it like that.”

I like “that” security.

Having completed all of our pre-flight activities much faster than we expected, we headed to the Qantas Club to kill a couple hours before our flight back to Sydney.

The Qantas Club is Qantas’ third level lounge behind First Class and Business Class lounges.  Qantas Club membership can be purchased and is accessible to Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members traveling on a Oneworld-operated flight.

The lounge is sleek and modern.  I liked both the colors and the space.  There was ample seating spaced with separated areas and beautiful views out over the small the airport.

We grabbed a seat right next to the window to watch our 767 arrive from Sydney.  It was approaching lunch time so I plated a some food from the buffet.  The selection was small but of pretty good quality and everything looked fresh.

The experience took a turn for the worse when I approached the bar for a breakfast drink.  NOOOOOOOOOO!

Fortunately our flight was afternoon so after a brief wait, I was able to indulge in an impressive selection of drinks.  Liquor in Australia is VERY expensive so having a full bar is even more enjoyable than in a location where alcohol is more affordable.

The bottom line

Modern design, clean layout, fresh food and a well stocked bar made for an excellent domestic lounge experience in a small airport.  I don’t need to visit every Qantas lounge to understand they do a great job with airport lounges.  With access to domestic lounges like this up to International First Class lounges like in Sydney (on Economy tickets!!), I can’t imagine any better country to be a Oneworld Emerald.