‘There is no more exclusive and luxurious experience than Melbourne Jet Base’: See video

There’s a special place at this Aussie airport for the rich — where “high profile individuals” can step straight off their private jets into luxury, with no curfews or customs and security queues.

Decked out with pools, spas, bars, luxe restaurants, cocktail lounges, cinemas, gyms, wellness retreats and every sea toy imaginable — multimillion-dollar superyachts are strictly the domain of the filthy rich.

They have tender boats so sleek they could have come straight out of a James Bond movie — and some even have helipads on board.

The private helicopters can fly their cashed-up owners from their superyachts, back home to their mansions, or to their waiting private jets, should they need to make a meeting or a function further afield, in a hurry.

Welcome to a life most of us will only ever see in the movies.

It’s a charmed existence where the immaculate, and always discreet, crew on their superyachts are highly-trained in every aspect of service delivery; from organising fine dining picnics on deserted beaches with cocktail bars and dozens of bottles of the finest French Champagne on the sand, to adventures on sea and land that only a few on the planet will ever experience.

The billionaire lifestyle of private jets and superyachts is one most of us only see in movies.

A mega yacht generally costs more than $10 million to buy, with the most expensive superyacht launches stretching to several hundred million dollars.

Even renting a superyacht can set you back $1m a week, with one of the world’s largest available for private charter at a whopping $3m per week.

So who owns these floating palaces?

According to unofficial bible on these things, Superyacht Fan, besides Russian oligarchs, Saudi princes and businessmen, U.S. sports stars, pop stars and billionaires, think Australia’s richest citizens — Gina Rinehart, Clive Palmer, James Packer and Lindsay Fox, all of whom have previously, or do, own one.

Superyacht Fan says Victorian trucking magnate Fox has enjoyed his share of luxury holidays aboard his luxurious superyacht Volpini 2, with Volpini derived from the Italian word for fox.

Built by Amels in 2018 by renowned designer Tim Heywood, Volpini 2 is a limited edition 188 model, boasting “impressive features that make her stand out in the crowded world of luxury yachts”, it says.

Superyachts typically cost more than $10m to buy. Picture: Supplied

James Packer put his superyacht on the market in 2021 for $300m.

Superyacht Fan — which claims its team “spends a lot of time researching and deeply investigating yacht ownership structures” — also says it believes Fox owns a luxury long-range business jet, as well as possibly an older Bombardier Global Express jet and “an old lear jet”.

But Superyacht Fan also points out details about yacht and private jet ownership on its popular site “are sometimes based on rumours”, as billionaires are notoriously private about their expensive possessions.

When it comes to private jet owners, there are enough of those in Australia to warrant a Melbourne Jet Base at Melbourne Airport.

The brainchild of billionaire Victorian businessman Paul Little, the $80m VIP private jet terminal bills itself as a “one of a kind flight base” and “gateway for high profile individuals” seeking discretion or security when travelling to and from Melbourne, as well as “a place to showcase a vintage DC3 jet, hold functions and skip the lengthy queues at Melbourne Airport”.

It posted on Instagram ahead of the Melbourne Cup, suggesting it was the perfect place for the elite to land in order to attend the race that stops a nation.

“Let us help you arrive in style to Australia’s most loved and iconic world-class event, the Melbourne Cup Carnival,” it posted.

“Born from a visionary’s dream, Melbourne Jet Base is a one-of-a-kind destination that redefines VIP travel. Enjoy curfew-free operations and experience the world-class gateway to an exceptional travel experience,” it said in another recent post.

The Melbourne Jet Base at Melbourne Airport, that billionaires fly into. Picture: Jet Base

The Melbourne Jet Base says it is “one of a kind flight base”. Picture: Jet Base

“Rest and unwind in one of our luxurious suites designed with all the amenities one can expect from a six-star retreat,” it said in yet another, alongside a video of a luxe room and bathroom.

“The finest luxury accommodation,” was available to those staying a while and “retreat zones” stocked with Aesop skin, hair and body lotions and potions to those looking to quickly freshen up.

Melbourne Jet Base says it caters to a diverse range of businesses in the aviation sector, from jet charter operations to maintenance organisations — with loyal company customers outside airlines and the aviation industry including Viva Energy and Crown.

“When it comes to welcoming private travellers through Melbourne, there is no more exclusive and luxurious experience than Melbourne Jet Base. From seamless in-house customs clearance to luxury on-site accommodation, everything is there and waiting for your arrival,” it states on its website.

“With on-site customs and quarantine services available 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week, private travellers can experience a fast and seamless entry into Australia through Melbourne Jet Base. All travellers can be screened on board or within our private facility, eliminating the need to go to the main concourse which saves time and energy.

The Jet Base is promoted as “a gateway for high profile individuals”. Picture: Jet Base

Customers can enjoy a luxe suite and “six-star” hotel experience. Picture: Jet Base

“Possessing intimate knowledge of Melbourne and all its best-kept secrets, our concierge team will draw on their extensive network of contacts to manage all your booking requirements. From the newest laneway bars to boutique shops and exclusive breakfast spots, we are available to assist with special bookings and arrangements. Similarly, our concierges can assist in planning an exquisite experience at your next destination,” it says.

“Move from the runway to your destination in style via a helicopter transfer.

“Skip the traffic and arrive in the heart of the city, or a number of charter destinations in beautiful regional Victoria, such as a Yarra Valley winery or the Great Ocean Road.

“Our helicopter partner and their extensive fleet of helicopters will ensure that you arrive in style by air.”

Originally published as ‘There is no more exclusive and luxurious experience than Melbourne Jet Base’: See video