I would stick with the QF booking.
Why, because this is your chance to see the MEL dom J lounge visit, before the flight to SYD.
Even more MEH than the SQ lounges, and then there's the SYD connection....
Then you get the transfer bus included, and then you get to feel the SYD QF F lounge, its a very good one, if you get there for their lunch menu.
Yes, OP would prior to QF1, but we all know the SYD transfer experience is a PITA.
MEL and SYD SQ lounges are meh, on flights, of course SQ services are great, but you can always try the KF lounge another time.
Have you used the F side of SQ lounges. MEL is average yes, but SYD is quite pleasant imo with some decent, if not outstanding food available to order.. However the TPR in SIN is the equal of QF F - with probably slightly better beverage selection (except coffees - SQ have no barista coffee which is crazy bad - or they didn't last time I used TPR - which to be fair was before the refurb)
TPR is *NOT* the "KF" lounge - which is subpar for *G members in Y. You need to be aware of what you're talking about. TPR is *ONLY* for SQ F/Suites pax. No alliance partners, no nothing (they get the SQ First Lounge, which is separate).
Go QF, you will kick yourself up the bum if you miss it.
OP have done it. If they haven't done SQ (it's unclear to me) and status etc earning is not an issue (I suspect perhaps not
) then it's worthwhile doing. while there's disagreement re the 77W hard product, the 380 is head and shoulders, and then another head, over QF's now 15+ year old suite.
I suppose it comes down to what one values most for the trip in question - a mix of, no doubt:
- schedule (NEL-SIN direct, vs via SYD)
- onboard product
- ground handling (SQ SIN F private check in and dedicated passport control are brilliant - QF have nothing close)
- lounges (F&B/Ambience/other services eg spa - which QF wins over SQ for)
- loyalty considerations, if any.
And, for the flights - do things like in flight connectivity matter - specially for day flights - SQ has wifi, QF does not. Is priority relax/sleep or F&B? probably AU->SIN is more relaxing while SIN->AU more likely sleep, unless hopping SQ day flight).
Another potential factor which may or may not be important is OTP - Unfortunately QF's A380 fleet are stretched, and performance reliability is.... not the best from time to time. I'd think SQ would be, overall, more reliable to meet schedule than QF as a general comment. This may be more or less important for the specific trip in question. SQ also have more daily trip options (though no all with F) if things hit fans.
Personally I would still err for SQ over QF, but that's my subjective view. Many factors to consider.