Sydney airport’s hidden little secret

THERE’S a wing of Sydney’s international airport that most of us will never see. Reserved for its most frequent flyers, you won’t believe what they’re doing here.

THERE’S a wing of Sydney’s international airport that most of us will never see. It’s so exclusive that only the top few travellers will ever step foot in its doors and if you do, you won’t believe you’re at an airport.

Qantas first class lounge is more like a five star restaurant than a waiting area for frequent flyers. Its menu is designed by renowned Australian chef, Neil Perry, who has worked with Qantas for 17 years and is the creative success behind the Rockpool restaurants.

This is just for entree. Buffalo mozzarella with broad beans, fennel, prosciutto and mint.

Qantas first class travellers, their Platinum frequent flyers and eligible partner airline members have access to the lounge and can pick from a menu made to order. Forget buffets, guests here can choose as many dishes as they’d like and drink some of the Australia’s finest wines. And the best bit, it’s absolutely free.

Experiencing how the top end flyers travel puts a whole new spin on long haul. The menu is better than many top Australian restaurants offering dishes you’d never expect to find at an airport. To name a few:

- Buffalo mozzarella with broad beans, fennel, prosciutto and mint

- Casarecce pasta with bottarga, artichoke, radicchio and hazelnuts

- Crispy duck with broccolini, shiitake, sesame, ginger & jasmine rice

- Banana and maple tart with dulce de leche, salted pretzel praline, banana bread gelato

Fancy a pasta? Casarecce pasta with bottarga, artichoke, radicchio and hazelnuts.

And then there’s the wine.

Guests can choose from six different French champagnes and some of Australia’s best wines that have been hand picked to match the menu. And the glasses are endless.

There is an all day check in for first class passengers on Qantas flights so you can arrive as early as you like, there’s a breakfast menu that runs through until 11am and then the day menu kicks in until late into the evening.

From dishes of seafood, lamb and duck to its signature sandwiches, desserts and cheese plates, there’s even a market inspiration specials.

This is a side to flying most of us can only ever dream of, hidden upstairs at Sydney airport, this writer was lucky enough to be given exclusive access for the day.

Take a seat at the bar and enjoy endless glasses of premium Aussie wine.

A dessert of banana and maple tart with dulche de leche, salted pretzel praline and banana bread gelato to finish off.

Entry to the exclusive lounge is for top flyers only.

A world away from the general public. So calm you won’t believe you’re at an airport.