Imagine a bustling hub where comfort meets convenience. That’s Quest Melbourne Airport for you. This isn’t just another accommodation. It’s your gateway to a stress-free travel experience.
Quest Melbourne Airport resides in a suburb with its very own postcode: Melbourne Airport, Victoria, 3045. The location is on Annandale Road. But what makes this spot so special?
Melbourne Airport, also known as Tullamarine Airport, began its journey in 1970. It replaced Essendon Airport which had served Melbourne since 1950. Essendon’s runways were too short. Its terminals couldn’t handle the increasing passenger numbers. A new airport was essential.
In 1959, the Commonwealth Government acquired 5,300 hectares of grassland in Tullamarine. Prime Minister Robert Menzies announced a five-year plan in 1962. Melbourne would have a 45 million Australian dollar jetport by 1967. The first sod was turned in 1964.
On July 1, 1970, Melbourne Airport opened for international operations. Essendon’s time as Melbourne’s international airport ended. Domestic flights transferred to Melbourne Airport on June 26, 1971. The first Boeing 747 arrived later that year.
Melbourne Airport was originally named “Melbourne International Airport”. Tullamarine comes from the indigenous name Tullamareena. Locals often call it Tullamarine or simply Tulla. This distinguishes it from Avalon, Essendon, and Moorabbin airports.
Upon opening, Melbourne Airport had three connected terminals. The International terminal was in the center. Ansett was to the South and Trans Australia Airlines to the North. The airport could handle eight Boeing 707s per hour. That’s about 500 passengers. Minor expansions in 1973 allowed Boeing 747s to use the airport.
By the late 1980s, peak passenger flows reached 900 per hour causing congestion. In 1988, the Australian Government formed the Federal Airports Corporation FAC. Melbourne Airport came under its control along with 21 other airports.
The FAC upgraded the airport. Major upgrades occurred at the domestic terminals. An expansion of the Ansett domestic terminal was completed in 1991. Work on the international terminal began in 1991. The “SkyPlaza” retail complex opened in 1993. The rest of the work finished in 1995. A new three-level satellite concourse opened doubling international passenger capacity.
In April 1994, the Australian Government announced the privatization of FAC airports. Australia Pacific Airports Corporation acquired Melbourne Airport for 1.3 billion dollars. The transfer occurred on June 30, 1997. It was a 50-year lease with an option for another 49 years.
Since privatization, further improvements have begun. Runways, car parks, and terminals have been expanded. A multi-story car park outside the terminal was completed in 1997. It provided 3,100 parking spaces. The six-story Hilton Hotel now Parkroyal opened in 2000. Expansion of the Qantas domestic terminal finished in 1999.
December 2000 saw the opening of a fourth passenger terminal. The Domestic Express Terminal cost 9 million dollars. It was the first new passenger terminal since 1971. Retail revenue at Melbourne Airport exceeded 100 million dollars in 2004. This was a 100 percent increase since privatization.
Quest Melbourne Airport is more than just a place to stay. It’s a part of Melbourne Airport’s ongoing story. A story of growth, innovation, and commitment to providing travelers with the best possible experience. So, next time you’re flying in or out of Melbourne, remember Quest. It’s where your journey becomes a little easier and a lot more comfortable.