Most people dread waiting for their flight to board, but with airport lounge access, waiting at the airport can be one of the most enjoyable parts of air travel.

In Australia, lounges from some of the world’s best airlines and lounge operators endeavour to outdo each other with more and more luxurious features. From day spa treatments to private shower suites, some of these lounges have it all. Here are our top picks.

Qantas International First Lounge, Sydney

Qantas’s International First Lounge at Sydney Airport is deservedly ranked among the world’s best airport lounges. An awesome view, Neil Perry inspired à la carte dining, bar service, barista coffee, complimentary spa treatments and marble-lined shower suites are a few of the perks that this lounge has to offer.

The design incorporates a curved walkway spanning the length of the lounge, with large wooden dividers creating several different seating zones, both for lounging and dining. There is ample natural light thanks to angled floor-to-ceiling windows that provide excellent apron and partial runway views.

Towards the far end of the lounge, you’ll find a restaurant-style setup where you can order à la carte dishes with table service. The service here is brilliant, and the food is good but won’t win any awards.

Comfort: various seating options; warm yet outdated design – 4/5

Dining: barista service; great wine list; small buffet; quality restaurant dining – 5/5

Facilities: shower suites; spa treatments; reading material; private meeting rooms – 5/5

Overall: an open and inviting space with great views and fantastic facilities – 4.5/5

Qantas International First Lounge, Melbourne

Essentially a scaled-down version of its Sydney counterpart, the Qantas International First Lounge at Melbourne Airport offers truly à la carte dining, restaurant table service, a day spa and stunning apron views from floor-to-ceiling windows. There is plenty of seating including some for small groups and single armchairs for solo travellers.

At the far end of the lounge is the dining and bar area, which can seat up to 50 guests. While there is a small counter offering drinks and snacks, the main dining in this lounge is à la carte. The seasonal menu is prepared by chef Neil Perry and is great for an airport.

Comfort: various seating options; superb views – 4/5

Dining: barista service; great wine list; small buffet; quality restaurant dining – 5/5

Facilities: shower suites; spa treatments; reading material; private meeting rooms – 5/5

Overall: a stylish smaller sibling with great views – 4/5

Plaza Premium and Skyteam Lounges, Sydney

The Plaza Premium Lounge and Skyteam Lounge in Sydney are both run by Plaza Premium, are located adjacent to each other and are similar in many ways. As well as a casual dining area to enjoy buffet items, there’s a comfortable lounge area with views directly above aircraft parking bays.

There is a staffed bar serving up almost anything you can imagine, including a respectable wine list and barista beverages.

Comfort: various seating options; busy at peak times – 4/5

Dining: good buffet and bar offerings – 3/5

Facilities: reading material; shower suites – 3/5

Overall: comfortable and clean design with good seating and gorgeous views – 4/5

Virgin Australia Domestic Business Lounge, Adelaide

Adelaide calls home to Virgin Australia’s first new-look lounge, which has now rolled out to all lounges in the network. With 283 seats there is normally plenty of space to spread out, whether that be at bar stools with power outlets for work or comfy armchairs for relaxing. Ambient lighting, bright greenery and quality fittings make the space oh-so Instagrammable, and that’s before you get to the bathroom mirror!

While the space is comfortable and gorgeous, like the rest of Virgin’s lounges, the food is average at best. Guests often have a choice of soup, one hot dish or snacks. The drinks list is good, but not on the premium end one might expect from a business-class lounge.

Comfort: multiple seating options for work or relaxing – 4/5

Dining: barely passable buffet; barista coffee; average drinks selection – 2/5

Facilities: showers; reading material – 4/5

Design: a well-designed lounge however dining could be improved – 3.5/5

Singapore Airlines SilverKris First Lounge, Sydney

Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge at Sydney International Airport is a rather small and private lounge that features comfy armchairs, a buffet and dining room, and eight individual seating pods that are similar to business class suites you might see in the air.

As far as dining, there’s a good selection at the self-service bar and buffet plus an à la carte menu. The menu has a few options to choose from and changes throughout the day, with full table service offered throughout the lounge.

Comfort: little capacity; luxury seating options – 4/5

Dining: good selection at the bar and buffet; à la carte dining – 5/5

Facilities: eight working pods; reading material; showers – 3/5

Overall: an intimate design featuring dark tones and open spaces – 4/5

Qantas Domestic Business Lounge, Melbourne

Qantas’s stylish Melbourne Domestic Business Lounge is a fantastic, renovated space, featuring dark tones and sophisticated finishes. Apron-facing windows span the length of the lounge, giving the space a light and open feeling. A diverse range of seating for up to 350 guests lines the lounge, with space for solo travellers and some for groups.

Towards the middle of the lounge is the bar, which stocks a generous selection of beers, wines and spirits, as well as all-day barista coffee and signature cocktails. As well as the standard buffet that offers several Asian-focused dishes, Qantas has introduced an Asian Spice Bar to its signature dining concept. Inspired by Neil Perry’s Spice Temple restaurant, the Spice Bar offers a range of fresh dishes prepared to order, with two options available at any one time.

Comfort: various seating options; extremely busy at peak times – 3/5

Dining: hit or miss dining; Asian Spice Bar; barista coffee – 3/5

Facilities: separate work area; reading material; shower rooms – 4/5

Overall: a welcoming design that makes great use of the space – 3.5/5

International Aspire Lounge, Perth

The Aspire Lounge in Perth’s International Terminal 1 is perhaps Australia’s best-designed airport lounge. The bar is set incredibly high with properly separate zones for getting work done or relaxing before a flight. If you’re ready to jump into holiday mode, private booths and window seats are offered up in spades at Perth’s old airport viewing deck.

Aspire Perth offers a hosted buffet and full-service bar, which works great when you can actually find someone to serve you. The drinks list focuses on West Australian drops and is fantastic, but the food offerings aren’t nearly as good.

Comfort: multiple seating options; great apron views – 5/5

Dining: minimal staff at hosted buffet; average dining; great local drinks – 2.5/5

Facilities: separate work area; reading material; shower rooms – 4.5/5

Overall: a welcoming design that makes great use of the space – 4/5