QANTAS: Hobart lounge cupboard to grow with redesign

This has been a long time coming for Tasmanian travellers. Qantas is about to upgrade and expand its famously poky Hobart lounge cupboard, sorry Hobart Qantas Club, with a redesign and expansion that is far more befitting for the island’s growing status as a premium destination.

With an opening date of 2026, the all-new lounge will have 50% more seats. Capacity will go from 96 to around close to 150 seats. It will also provide more defined spaces as opposed to its current hanger type form.

Bigger and brighter, within the current lounge style

Concept images show a space that’s light, modern and Tasmanian themed. The look is similar to the new Adelaide Qantas Club, and the proposed redesign of the Sydney International Business Lounge. As its state-themed point of difference, it still adopts timber, textures and other design elements from the Tasmanian landscape.

Expect runway views, power outlets, and USB ports galore, along with an upgraded buffet featuring a focus on local produce. There is no talk of a unique food outlet like the Italian-themed one in Adelaide, freshly baked pizza in Perth, Asian noodles in Melbourne, or even the freshly heated Panini in Sydney.

For long-suffering Qantas Club members this will make a massive difference. I don’t have fond memories of having to stand around due to no seating available in the anonymous corporate cookie-cutter design of the Hobart lounge.

Part of Hobart Airport’s expansion

The new lounge is one slice of a $200 million terminal redevelopment, which will double the airport’s footprint by early 2027. That expansion will bring two extra gates, an extra baggage carousel, another security lane, and inevitably more food and shopping options for those not lucky enough to be able to escape to the Qantas Club.

Hobart sees an eclectic domestic fleet mix. Everything from Dash-8 turboprops and Embraer E190S to the new Airbus A220s and trusty Boeing 737s.

Just in time for Qantas Club membership fees to increase

Of course, in true Qantas fashion, good news comes at a price. As of 11 December 2025, Qantas Club fees have increased by approximately 15%. That is, only if you have to pay cash for them, as opposed to paying through the cost of your flights and loyalty:

• The joining fee has increased by AU$20 from $129 to $149
• One-year membership is now AU$799
• Two-year membership to AU$1,499

And if you’re the type who prefers your legroom guaranteed, Qantas Economy Plus launches early next year across domestic flights — bundling extra space with priority boarding and that elusive overhead bin access.

2PAXfly Takout

I’ve grown fonder of Hobart and Tasmania, the more I visit. Hobart has changed considerably, especially since the advent of the eccentric gallery MONA. The Qantas Club Lounge gives a rather bad impression, on your departure from Tasmania. With the new lounge, that perception will change. Once it opens, departing from Hobart with Qantas or Jetstar will be a much more pleasant experience.