Excellent initial post--and without question, the QF clubs in Australia, hands down, really really good. I actually never travel with my EX PLT AA card. Should the status be questioned, there is adequate info on the boarding pass..and should there be any questions, AA can be phoned to confirm (only one time at the BA T3 club). What wonderful memories this post recalled.

On quite a few occasions, I was able to arrange, at a moments notice, meetings with non-flying business colleagues, at QF clubs in Aussie (they all had SIDA/ramp accessability). In these cases, where non status members were invited, I found it most valuable to personally take the time to ask the on-duty club manager about permitting any non-member to enter. Never a problem..although I have never done this at SYD or MEL --- with these busier clubs, perhaps it might not work.

Darwin--about as "homestyle" as it gets. Whether I was flying to Bombay, or Brisbane, or Cairns---wonderful. I'd say that the DRW club easily rivals the JFK Flagship lounge.

Perth--again, wonderful. A while back, I did PER-JNB. And more recently, PER-HKG, and PER-NRT. PER is by far, my fav city, and the club, while small, is excellent. Imagine SFO AC, except with a personality and service/amenities that exceed any expectations.

Brisbane---I think the BNE QF club is my favorite. You have a wonderful view of the long runway, and it overlooks the entire shopping area inside security.

I have found that all clubs have food, liquor, business centers, the works. Aussie is a special place in general, but the positive manner of these clubs just emphasizes what service and commitment means to QF.

I will note that, as a personal choice, I always go to Aussie via NRT (on QF), from the US (on AA).