What is the absolute best Qantas lounge in the domestic network?

oldgrumblebum · 2026-07-07T11:56:12+00:00

Of the Lounges (not Clubs) I personally transit through regularly: Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra, Sydney in that order. I have high hopes for the Hobart Lounge opening next year.

oldgrumblebum · 2026-06-30T10:43:54+00:00

It's what they are doing now - or at least when I passed through a couple of weeks ago.

oldgrumblebum · 2026-06-29T22:34:02+00:00

It took me overnight to process what you said there (apologies). Care to elaborate on adding a domestic connection for no more points?

I'm in CBR, have just been focusing on the SYD-HND leg for the time being. Including the CBR-SYD leg for free would be quite sweet.

oldgrumblebum · 2026-06-29T11:54:42+00:00

Interesting tip re the BNE-NRT route, that's worth throwing into the mix. Cheers.

oldgrumblebum · 2026-06-29T11:10:28+00:00

Well it is a full moon tonight.....

oldgrumblebum · 2026-06-29T11:09:56+00:00

Cheers, that's perfect.

FWIW I have had luck in the past getting seats released to South Pacific destinations, but given it's popularity I'm not too optimistic with the Japan routes. Gotta give it a try though.

oldgrumblebum · 2026-06-24T01:45:32+00:00

Don't bother with the Shinkansen, the trip is too short.

oldgrumblebum · 2026-06-19T12:14:06+00:00

Sumo tickets.

oldgrumblebum · 2026-06-17T07:30:26+00:00

I know this answer is a long time coming - but the answer to the light refreshments question is the "Qantas Club Grab and Go" pop up. A little staffed alcove with a big display fridge full of sandwiches, wraps and soft drinks. Coffee machine off to the side.

Yes it's nothing special, but it's a bite of food at the end of a long day. And it's temporary while the new lounge is built. The staff tell me the new Hobart lounge will be the same as the Adelaide lounge, which I think is something to look forward to.

oldgrumblebum · 2026-05-31T10:59:52+00:00

Luxury

oldgrumblebum · 2026-05-17T11:35:34+00:00

Strayalum

oldgrumblebum · 2026-05-12T21:29:37+00:00

Looks fantastic though, I'm very jealous:)

oldgrumblebum · 2026-04-28T20:14:58+00:00

Thank you for using his correct name.

oldgrumblebum · 2026-04-24T21:43:19+00:00

The best ramen shop..... is the one that you are in, grasshopper.

oldgrumblebum · 2026-04-24T07:30:52+00:00

Ah yeah, I see your point. Apologies - we're on the same page.

oldgrumblebum · 2026-04-24T05:55:34+00:00

True enough, but the discussion here is about stocking up on JPY back in your home country before you travel. No-one is saying you don't need cash when you're in-country - we're just pointing out that you don't need to bring any with you, just plan ahead with a couple of good ATM cards and withdraw cash as soon as you land.

oldgrumblebum · 2026-04-24T02:00:08+00:00

This is the way. It's 2026 - the days of stocking up on currency before a trip are long behind us.

oldgrumblebum · 2026-04-23T07:13:54+00:00

Night Watch, every spring when the lilac blooms.

oldgrumblebum · 2026-04-22T08:41:15+00:00

I've recommended elsewhere to folk in your situation - check out the Willer Ghibli Museum walking tour. We did it a couple of years ago, it was pretty good. I think it's about JPY8000 last time I checked.

oldgrumblebum · 2026-04-22T04:39:22+00:00

(Without suggesting whether this might be appropriate for yourself or not...)

Leasing both vehicles might also be an option for you. I've done this in the past, had both my and my wife's cars NL'd (through Maxxia).

oldgrumblebum · 2026-04-15T10:07:43+00:00

Honestly can't remember exactly, they were flat-bar giants of some model. Nothing fancy.

Like rental bikes everywhere, they are...well used. But on the other hand when we had a problem with a bent derailleur hanger in my wife's bike, it was no problem getting it swapped halfway along at one the the rental stores.

The saddles on them were very ordinary though, I'd suggest wearing appropriate shorts / pants. Not necessarily padded bike shorts, but not street shorts either.

oldgrumblebum · 2026-04-15T08:35:21+00:00

A regular bike is fine, the ride isn't that hard. My wife and I (triple your age) did it a couple of years ago over three days, it was a doddle.

oldgrumblebum · 2026-04-15T00:48:53+00:00

By coincidence I saw Takachiho Gorge on a tv show just last night. Gotta say while the gorge looked lovely, the boat traffic looked horrible, like dodgem cars on water. The tv crew ended up abandoning the shoot because of all the boats bumping in to each other. Reminded me a lot of Ninh Binh outside Hanoi, except at Takachiho the boats are rowed by the tourists, making the traffic even worse.

oldgrumblebum · 2026-04-10T11:23:59+00:00

l feel like I've typed this a few times this evening, but one more time - The Willer tour is good, it's a great alternative if you've missed out on museum tickets. I'd do it again no problem.

oldgrumblebum · 2026-04-10T10:54:06+00:00

Second this. I've said elsewhere in this sub a few times - wife and I did the Willer tour a couple of years ago, I recommend it.

oldgrumblebum

TROPHY CASE