In this Melbourne airport lounges guide we will review every single lounge available to passengers at the airport – from airline and alliance lounges to independent paid-for entry lounges.
Melbourne Tullamarine airport (IATA code: MEL, ICAO: YMML) has 4 terminals and is the 2nd busiest airport in Australia after Sydney. It is located about 23km north-west of Melbourne CBD in the suburb of Tullamarine.
If you are looking for lounges from major airlines or a paid-for-entry lounge at Melbourne then please read on…
We will explain access rules for each Melbourne lounge. The lounges are also marked by alliance and whether entry is possible by payment, via the Priority Pass or DragonPass annual lounge access programs or directly by American Express Centurion/Platinum cards.
We will look at each Melbourne airport terminal:
Terminal 1 – This is a domestic terminal used by Qantas and Qantas Link flights.
Terminal 2 – The T2 international terminal serves all international departures and arrivals.
Terminal 3 – This is a domestic terminal which was formerly the home of the old Ansett Australia and currently houses Virgin Australia.
Terminal 4 – This is a budget domestic terminal used by the like so Jetstar, REX and Bonza Airlines.
See here for detailed official maps of the airport by terminal.
Melbourne T1 Lounges
There are 3 lounges at the Qantas T3 domestic:
- Qantas Domestic Business Lounge Melbourne T1
- Qantas Club Melbourne T1
- Qantas Chairman’s Lounge Melbourne
Qantas Domestic Business Lounge Melbourne T1
[ONEWORLD] – This is the flagship Qantas domestic lounge for premium and elite passengers – this is an excellent business class lounge, a better facility than the adjacent Qantas Club.
This spacious lounge space includes a good variety of seating for 350 guests, all day dining buffet, barista coffee, work tables, showers, floor to ceiling windows with apron views and free WiFi.
Access is granted to Qantas business class passengers, Qantas Frequent Flyer Platinum/Platinum One and Chairman’s Lounge members, Emirates Skyward Platinum and iO and Oneworld Emerald members.
First and business class passengers on Qantas/Emirates/Oneworld connecting to a domestic flight also get entry.
The Qantas lounges are located past security, through the doors marked ‘Melbourne Lounge Precinct’ and up the escalators.
It is open 1 hour before first Qantas departure until last departure.
Qantas Club Melbourne T1
[ONEWORLD] – The Qantas Club is a very large area adjacent to the domestic business lounge. It has internal windows overlooking the check-in area of the airport terminal – it does not offer external views of the runway.
Facilities include seating for 530 guests, self-service bar-buffet, barista coffee, children’s corner, work stations, showers and free WiFi. It can also get very busy at peak times.
Access is granted to Qantas business class passengers, Qantas Club members, Qantas Frequent Flyer Gold/Platinum/Platinum One members, Emirates Skyward Gold/Platinum and iO, Oneworld Emerald/Sapphire members, Alaska Lounge members and Alaska MVP Gold/Gold 75K members.
First and business class passengers on Qantas/Emirates connecting to a domestic flight also get entry.
The Qantas lounges are located past security, through the doors marked ‘Melbourne Lounge Precinct’ and up the escalators.
It is open 1 hour before first Qantas departure until last departure.
Qantas Chairman’s Lounge Melbourne
[INVITATION-ONLY] – This lounge has a contemporary design with the centrepiece being a colourful glass partition. It offers a la carte dining, library area, showers and private meeting rooms. Guests get a personal boarding invitation.
Access is only granted to Chairman’s Lounge members (invitation-only) and Emirates iO members.
The Qantas Chairman’s Lounge is located near the Qantas Club and Domestic Business Class lounge.
Melbourne T2 Lounges
There are 9 lounges at Melbourne T2:
- Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures) Melbourne T2 [Book]
- The House by Aspire Melbourne T2
- Air New Zealand Melbourne International Lounge
- American Express Centurion Lounge Melbourne
- Qantas International Business Lounge Melbourne T2
- Qantas International First Lounge Melbourne T2
- Singapore Airlines SilverKris Business & First Lounge Melbourne
- Emirates Lounge Melbourne
- Marhaba Lounge Melbourne
Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures) Melbourne T2
[PAID][PRIORITY PASS][DRAGONPASS][AMEX PLATINUM/CENTURION] – Plaza Premium Group has a compact lounge at Melbourne for international departures. It offers comfortable seating with a good number of booth-like seats, a bar area with food/drink including buffet and made-to-order options. There is free WiFi.
The lounge suffers somewhat from a lack of natural light which is amplified by the heavy wooden decor. There are no shower facilities.
The lounge is available to paying passengers (from A$63), Priority Pass/DragonPass members and American Express Platinum and Centurion card holders.
Located after security, near gate 9.
Open daily 0830-2300.
Book the Plaza Premium Melbourne Lounge at a reduced rate here
The House by Aspire Melbourne T2
[PAID][PRIORITY PASS][DRAGONPASS] – This is a 800m² premium independent lounge which was the former Etihad lounge – and was subsequently rebranded as The House. It is now run by Swissport which jointly acquired former operator No1 Lounges.
This elegant lounge has a la carte dining with full waiter service, bar and buffet, barista coffee, children’s playroom, shower facilities, business area, newspapers/magazines and free WiFi. it has excellent views of the runway through floor-to-ceiling windows.
Paid access is available from A$75 pre-booked online. Access is still granted to Etihad premium passengers.
Priority Pass/DragonPass members get complimentary access – there is the possibility to upgrade for A$20 which gives access to premium alcohol/a la carte dining/showers.
The lounge is located airside at T2 on the 3rd floor near gate 10.
Open daily 0530-0045.
Air New Zealand Melbourne International Lounge
[STAR ALLIANCE] – This spacious lounge facility is 1,241m² and seats 249. It features modern seating in grey and pink colour tones, a self service food buffet, drink stations and barista coffee, business area, a quiet zone, 8 shower suites, newspapers/magazines and free WiFi. There are plenty of charging points for devices.
Access is granted to Business Premier passengers on Air New Zealand and business class/first class passengers on Star Alliance carriers.
Entrance is also available to Air New Zealand Airpoints Elite/Gold and Star Alliance Gold members travelling on Air New Zealand or any Star Alliance airline.
Air New Zealand Koru members also get access if flying on Air New Zealand. Air Canada Maple Leaf Club (worldwide) and United Club members can also access if departing on Star Alliance.
The lounge is located on the ground floor after security near gates 5/7.
Open daily 0445-2230.
American Express Centurion Lounge Melbourne
[AMEX PLATINUM/CENTURION] – This contemporary lounge (opened 2018) is operated by Plaza Premium Group on behalf of American Express.
The very compact 260m² lounge can only seat 65 passengers. It features a range of comfortable seating, work tables, a full service bar, barista coffee, a food buffet, dining area, free WiFi and newspapers/magazines.
There are no shower facilities and the bathrooms are shared with the adjacent Plaza Premium lounge.
Access is generally granted to Australian and international American Express Platinum and Centurion card holders. Card members can bring up to 2 guests plus children 0-17.
Other selected high-end Australian-issued Amex cards (such as Qantas Ultimate Card and Velocity Platinum Card Card) offer 2 lounge visits per year.
The lounge is located airside (past security) near gate 9, take the escalator down to level 1.
Open daily 0600-2200.
Qantas International Business Lounge Melbourne T2
[ONEWORLD] – The Qantas lounge features a bar, barista coffee, buffet dining area, family zone, 7 showers, business area, newspapers/magazines, free WiFi. There is a lack of natural light.
The lounge is expected to be expanded and refurbished in stages, work should be complete by mid-2024.
Access is available to business and first class customers flying Qantas, Qantas codeshare flights or Oneworld carriers and Jetstar Business Max passengers.
Qantas Gold/Platinum/Platinum One get access if flying Qantas, Jetstar, Emirates, China Eastern or Oneworld airlines. Qantas Club members get access if flying Qantas or Jetstar.
Oneworld Sapphire and Emerald elite members get access if flying on any Oneworld carrier on the day.
The lounge is located airside down on level 1, enter is via the departures concourse.
Opening hours are:
Mon: 0515-2045
Tue: 0515-2045
Wed: 0515-2300
Thu: 0515-2045
Fri: 0515-2300
Sat: 0450-2045
Sun: 0515-2300
Qantas International First Lounge Melbourne T2
[ONEWORLD] – This is the Qantas premium flagship lounge at Melbourne – and is one of the world’s best airline lounges.
Like its sister lounge in Sydney, it has quite a retro feel with marble/wood, reclining armchairs and an old-fashioned mechanical departures board. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide lots of natural light and great apron views.
Facilities include a LaGaia Spa (complimentary 20 minute treatments can be booked), shower suites, bar and restaurant, office area/meeting rooms, library, family zone, newspapers/magazines and free WiFi.
Access is granted to first class passengers on Qantas, Emirates and Oneworld carriers. Access is also available to Qantas Platinum/Platinum One Frequent Flyers, Chairman’s Lounge and Oneworld Emerald members.
The first class is located airside on level 3, near gates 9/10, accessed via escalator.
Opening hours are:
Mon: 0515-2045
Tue: 0515-2045
Wed: 0515-2045
Thu: 0515-2045
Fri: 0515-2045
Sat: 0450-2045
Sun: 0515-2045
Singapore Airlines SilverKris Business & First Lounge Melbourne
[STAR ALLIANCE] – This compact lounge offers bar/buffet with Western and Asian options, comfortable seating, shower suites and free WiFi. Like most lounges on level 1 it does lack some natural light.
There is a small section for First Class passengers on the left side which has lounge seats and a la carte dining offering a menu of Western and Singaporean dishes.
Access is available to the following passengers departing from Melbourne on Singapore Airlines or Star Alliance carriers:
- First Class or Suites Class (+1 guest allowed)
- Business Class (no guests)
- Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer elites – Elite Gold, PPS Club and Solitaire PPS Club (+1 guest allowed)
- Star Alliance Gold card holders (+1 guest allowed)
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Club Worldwide and United Club members (+1 guest allowed)
- Virgin Australia Velocity Platinum/Gold/Beyond on Singapore Airlines flights only (+1 guest allowed)
Note, the first class section is only accessible to First/Suites Class passengers and Solitaire PPS Club members.
The lounge is located downstairs on level 1.
Open daily 0415-0830, 1240-1800, 2035-2300.
Emirates Lounge Melbourne
[EMIRATES][PAID] – Emirates has a comfortable 1,268m² lounge seating 240 guests. It includes an excellent bar and buffet, dining area, rest area, newspapers/magazines and shower facilities. It has the signature Emirates decor with beige and cream tones. Large windows offer good natural lighting and views.
Access is granted to business and first class passengers on Emirates/Qantas. Entry is also available to Emirates iO, Emirates Skywards Platinum/Gold and Qantas Frequent Flyer Platinum One/Platinum/Gold or Chairman’s Lounge members travelling on Emirates/Qantas.
Paid access is possible for Emirates economy passengers only – access costs a hefty US$125 (Skywards members), US$155 (non-members) plus local GST.
The Emirates Melbourne lounge is located on level 3 near gates 9/10.
Open daily 1715-2045 and 2325-0545.
Marhaba Lounge Melbourne
[PAID][PRIORITY PASS][DRAGONPASS] – This independent lounge is run by Marhaba Services, part of UAE aviation group Dnata. It currently has 7 airport lounges at various international locations.
The 727m² lounge features comfortable seating for 200 guests, Hudson coffee barista service, dining area with buffet and a la carte items, showers, newspapers/magazines and free WiFi. Windows provide plenty of natural light and good apron views.
Paid access is available from A$70 for 4 hours. Free access is also granted to Priority Pass and DragonPass members. It is also used by premium passengers flying Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines.
The lounge is located on level 3 near gates 9/10.
Open daily 0500-2300.
Melbourne T3 Lounges
There are 2 lounges at Melbourne T3:
- Virgin Australia Lounge Melbourne
- Virgin Australia Beyond Lounge Melbourne
Virgin Australia Lounge Melbourne
[PAID][AMEX PLATINUM/CENTURION] – This is a spacious facility at 2,900m² and seating 650 guests, the largest of all Virgin Australia’s lounges and the largest single lounge at Melbourne airport. It reopened in 2021 following a major refurbishment.
It offers all day dining, barista coffee bar, wine bar, business centre and 2 meeting rooms, a wide array of seating options in different themed zones, showers and free WiFi. Large windows give excellent natural light and good apron views.
Access is granted to Virgin Australia business class passengers, Virgin Australia Velocity Platinum and Gold members and Virgin Australia Lounge program members.
Access is also available to elite members of Air Canada/Delta/Etihad/Singapore Airlines/South African Airways/United Airlines/Virgin Atlantic flying on Virgin Australia.
A single entry pass can be purchased for A$65 at-the-door (capacity permitting), open 2 hours before your Virgin Australia flight departure. Child passes (2-17) cost A$45.
American Express Centurion and Platinum card holders get access when flying Virgin Australia. This is an official benefit of Australian-issued Platinum cards, though we have heard of holders from other countries getting entry.
The lounge is located before security on the mezzanine level.
Opens daily from 60 minutes before first Virgin Australia flight departure until last departure – around 0500-2230.
Virgin Australia Beyond Lounge
[INVITATION-ONLY] – This is a small private lounge at Melbourne T3 for Virgin Australia invitation-only Beyond members (similar to Qantas Chairman’s Lounge). Previously known as The Club, it was rebranded/refurbished as the Beyond Lounge, opening in 2022.
The lounge offers various stylish seating zones for up to 109 guests, secluded privacy pods, a la carte breakfast and all-day menu, a private office/boardroom and shower facilities.
Staff give customers personal boarding invitations.
The lounge is located near the main Virgin Australia Lounge. Access is via a discreet frosted door.
Open daily 0500-2100.
Melbourne T4 Lounges
There is 1 lounge at Melbourne T4:
- REX Lounge
Regional Express Lounge
[PAID][PRIORITY PASS] – The very compact Rex Lounge is available to business passengers of Australian domestic airline Regional Express. Note that REX went into administration in July 2024 but operations are still ongoing.
The lounge offers light snacks/drinks, a small business station, massage chairs, TV area and free WiFi. Alcoholic drinks are only made available after 1500.
Entrance is granted to passengers who pay the A$33 entrance fee, 50% off for those on Flex fares. The airline also sells an annual Rex Lounge membership for A$329 – this also requires members to give their fingerprints and use a 4 digit access code. Priority Pass members also get free access.
The Regional Express lounge is located past security on the ground floor at gate 30.
Open 0730-1930 (Sun-Fri) and 0630-1430 (Sat).
Melbourne Airport Lounges Summary
Melbourne Airport Lounges By Numbers: 15 Melbourne airport lounges 14 airside lounges 11 airline lounge 3 lounges Melbourne T1 9 lounges Melbourne T2 2 lounges Melbourne T3 1 lounges Melbourne T4 4 Priority Pass lounges 3 DragonPass lounges 3 open access lounges
Which Melbourne airport lounges can be accessed with Priority Pass?
4 lounges – Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures) T2, The House by Aspire Melbourne T2, Marhaba Lounge Melbourne T2 and Rex Lounge.
A$36 credit is currently given to Priority Pass members at the following MEL cafe/restaurants: Pope Joan at T1, Urban Provodore / Cafe Sol / Pickett’s Deli & Rotisserie / Bar Pulpo by MoVida at T2, Stomping Ground Brewery and Beer Hall / Biggie Smalls at T3 and Quikshots at T4.
Thinking about Priority Pass membership? Click here for a special 10% discount which will provide unlimited access to 4 Melbourne airport lounges and 1,400+ lounges worldwide.
Which Melbourne airport lounges can be accessed with DragonPass?
3 lounges – Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures) T2, The House by Aspire Melbourne T2 and Marhaba Lounge Melbourne T2.
Discounts are available through the app at Hudson’s Coffee at T3.
Is there an American Express Lounge at Melbourne airport?
Yes, there is an American Express Centurion lounge at Melbourne T2.
Amex Platinum/Centurion card holders can also get direct access to the Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures) T2. Entrance to the Virgin Australia lounge (T3) is possible for some Amex Platinum cardholders (depending on country of issue).
Which lounges can Star Alliance Gold members use at Melbourne?
Star Alliance Gold members at Melbourne get access to Air New Zealand Lounge and Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge – both at T2 – if departing on a Star Alliance flight. 1 guest is allowed.
Also see Sydney Airport Lounges: The Complete Guide and Brisbane Airport Lounges: The Complete Guide
- Last update 21 August 2024.
- First published in 2023.
- Links at AirTravelGenius.com may pay an affiliate commission. Lounge opening times can change, always check with the operator.
