Virgin Australia Gold Coast Airport Lounge

Perched above Gates 17 and 18 at the new-look Gold Coast Airport, Virgin Australia’s Lounge is a solid pre-flight hangout complemented by stellar runway and hinterland views.

And though it hasn’t seen much major focus in recent years, there are a few changes worth noting, both to its dining and business facilities.

Welcoming business class passengers and Velocity members Gold and above, the lounge pull double duty for domestic and international – travellers jetting overseas simply need to clear a second security screening and passport control en route to their gate.

After clearing security (using the priority lane if you’re in business class or a Velocity Gold or Platinum member), turn left and continue walking to the right past Hungry Jack’s. You’ll soon spot the lounge entrance opposite Gates 17 and 18.

You can admit yourself via the self-service access point – handy in peak times – or see the staff at reception.

Gold, Platinum and Lounge members can bring up to three adults and three children as guests, depending on their membership tier limit.

The lounge proper is directly above reception and accessed via stairs and an elevator.

At the top of the stairs you’re greeted by a short stay area with a handful of high tables and chairs, as well as arrival and departure screens near the entrance to the bathrooms.

Continue through and you’ll find a mix of seating options: high seats and low lounges, dining and cocktails tables for those wanting to spread out, plus an array of work benches.

Overall, the look and feel is similar to most of Virgin Australia's domestic lounges (Melbourne and Adelaide are exceptions).

Crisp white benches and purple lighting abound, though there’s a more relaxed atmosphere than some others in the network.

When flying on a Virgin Australia operated flight, the Gold Coast Virgin Lounge is accessible to:

• Velocity Gold and Platinum members, and business class passengers
• Virgin Australia Lounge members, with an annual membership fee of $399
• Single entry passes, available for $65 on the day of departure
• Velocity partner credit card holders with a single-entry lounge pass
• Eligible frequent flyers of partner airline loyalty programs
• American Express Centurion or Platinum card holders

Velocity Platinum members can also utilise ‘on arrival’ access after their flight, which is a handy time-limited perk allowing you to re-enter the lounge for up to 60 minutes. That’s enough time for a quick bite, coffee and maybe even a shower.

Detailed Virgin Australia domestic lounge access (including for international partners) is available here. 

Virgin Australia appears to be taking great strides in its efforts to improve lounge catering (often a sore point for visitors) by peppering a few elevated options into its menus.

My morning departure sees a tray of eggs Benedict served on fluffy brioche buns, a bountiful spread of pain au chocolat and chocolate muffins, alongside ever-popular pancakes.

The cold counter houses a mix of self-serve yoghurts plus fresh and dried fruits (no pre-made jars of yoghurt and coulis, as has been the case for some time now).

As the day rolls on, this is replaced by an all-day menu that typically includes sandwiches, wraps and a selection of salads and dips.

Juices, herbal teas, and barista coffee, together with sparkling and still water, are of course available.

Alcoholic beverages including craft beers and Australian wine open from 12pm.

It’s a decent breakfast offering and an appreciated step-up from the sweet corn succotash, scrambled eggs and sausages often seen throughout the Virgin lounge network.

Business travellers hoping to fire off a few emails before the flight will no doubt gravitate towards the ‘business zone’, tucked around the corner from the main lounge space.

It features several curved workstation benches with power outlets and comfortable leather swivel-seats, along with a row of desks facing the wall.

These were once fitted with computers but are now just an extension of the work area. 

A previous bookable meeting room (that most past visitors likely never noticed) has been opened up and is now filled with a couple of low lounges and a circular dining table.

WiFi reaches speeds of 87 Mbps download and 78 Mbps upload during my visit.

If you’re in the mood to relax, or just want to soak up views of the Tweed Hinterland, you can choose from lounges radiating from round coffee tables, or pick a solitary perch in front of the window.

Particularly useful before evening flights or international services are the shower facilities, with all amenities provided – this includes separate shampoo, conditioner and shower gel.

Beyond this, there’s not much to do except sit back, read a book, and maybe download a few movies on your Netflix or Amazon Prime account to enjoy onboard.

The Verdict

Overall, it’s a good lounge with the same facilities you’d expect from its counterparts in the larger capital cities, albeit a more intimate space than the likes of Sydney or Perth.

Though initially fairly quiet, it became increasingly crowded as the day went on, particularly with rolling delays affecting many flights.

Despite being several years since its last full makeover, the lounge is holding up surprisingly well, with service always a highlight, and is a big step up from the nearby Qantas Club thanks to its naturally light and runway views.

The writer visited the lounge as a Velocity frequent flyer.