Location: Airside above Gate 75
Hours: The lounge opens three hours prior to standard departure time
Eligibility: First and business class Emirates and Qantas passengers. First class, Gold and Platinum members of Emirates Skywards and Gold, Platinum and Platinum One members of Qantas Frequent Flyer can also access the lounge before an Emirates or Qantas departure, along with one guest who must also be travelling on the same flight.
General impression:
Aside from the long walk to get to the lounge, it is a comfortable, bright and airy, well equipped lounge.
As the first ever Emirates lounge built outside the hub of Dubai, it features a dedicated aerobridge providing convenient access to the aircraft direct from the lounge, and I was welcomed with a smile and shown around.
There are dedicated zones for business, relaxing and dining with floor to ceiling windows depicting views to the city and out to the runway.
It's a serene environment, far from the madding crowd, the soft beige colours soothing, and the only noise, the odd champagne cork popping.
The business centre found just after reception, where you can also hang your coat and store your bag, offers 10 cubicles with computers, printer, photocopier, fax and phone facilities.
Free Wifi is available throughout the lounge together with many power stands for charging electronics.
The lounge forms an L shape with a dedicated dining area in the middle. This has adequate seating with a variety of table sizes. There's also bar stools along the window, where you can sit back and watch aircraft land and take off whilst sipping on your Veuve Cliquot Champagne.
Around the corner are two areas for relaxing. The one closest to the boarding gate features TV and a massage chair. I tried it out and was pleased by the variety of settings and warm socks on offer. There are two well-stocked magazine and newspaper stands together with three self-service drink stations.
Dining:
My flight departed at 8.45 pm so the dinner spread was laid out. The large entree and appetiser station featured king prawn cocktails with mango and basil roulade, pita bread with dips, pink smoked rainbow trout with salmon roe, green pea panna cotta, cheese platters and fruit.
Mains consisted of crayfish and potato fish cakes, fillet of beef with herb sauce, chicken curry, korma, barramundi with salsa-verde, hot chips, risotto cakes, baby lamb shepherd's pie, many vegies, salads, breads and soup made to order.
Deserts included Lindt chocolates, shortbread, white and dark chocolate profiteroles, chocolate tarts with poached rhubarb cream and cheesecake.
Tea, coffee and hot chocolate was available via a machine.
Showers:
Glass sliding doors lead to the bathrooms. The ladies has three large shower rooms with Timeless Spa amenities, hairdryer, private toilet and good bench space. They are well lit and pleasant.
My tip - head to the area at the beginning of the lounge if you're after some quiet time. Lamps set the mood along with comfy lounge chairs with footrests and views.
Other notes: I liked - the high chairs for people travelling with babies. I didn't like - the lack of barista coffee.
Contributed by Kim Culyer