Why do Qantas always skip Melbourne? They fly mostly out of Brisbane and Sydney
Whilst SYD has the most QF flights being QFs Australian base, MEL has or connects with quite a few. It certainly isnt always skipped.
From MEL you can fly QF non-stop to Asia (SIN, DEL, DPS, NRT, CGK, HKG), USA (LAX, DFW), NZ (AKL, CHC, ZQN, WLG). Or flights with 1 stop/connection to LHR, CDG or FCO.
Plus there are code shares with other OW partners from MEL such as FJ to NAN, LATAM to SCL, Hawaiian to HNL, AA to LAX. Plus many more on CX, MH, JL and QR.
The advantage BNE has over MEL is closer proximity to many SEA and Pacific destinations meaning that QF can use smaller planes to service those international routes from BNE. QF has a shortage of long haul aircraft. As BNE is closer to USA than MEL; it means the A330 is an option whereas MEL always needs a 787 or A380.
Domestically its self explanatory Qld is much much larger geographically than Vic, so more regional airports to service.
QF has invested in MEL as it has an F and J lounge, BNE only has a J.