Best Queue Management Systems for Australian Restaurants in 2026

Picture this: It's Saturday night at your restaurant. There's a crowd gathering at the door, staff are juggling phone calls and walk-ins, and your host is scribbling names on a crumpled piece of paper while customers crane their necks asking, "How much longer?"

Sound familiar?

For Australian restaurant owners, managing the walk-in rush has become one of the most challenging aspects of running a successful venue. ScanQueue's restaurant queue management system is purpose-built for the fast-paced world of hospitality, with features designed specifically for Australian venues. The traditional clipboard-and-pen approach simply doesn't cut it anymore—not when customers expect real-time updates, seamless communication, and respect for their time.

The solution? A modern queue management system designed specifically for the fast-paced world of hospitality.

But here's the catch: not all queue management systems are created equal. Many are designed for American or European markets, with SMS pricing that makes no sense for Australian mobile numbers, or support teams that are asleep when your Saturday night rush kicks off.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the best queue management systems available for Australian restaurants in 2026. We'll compare features, break down pricing in AUD, and help you find the perfect solution for your venue—whether you're a cosy café in Surry Hills or a bustling bistro in South Yarra.

What to Look For in a Restaurant Queue Management System

Before diving into specific platforms, let's establish what makes a queue management system truly effective for Australian restaurants.

1. SMS Notifications Optimised for Australian Mobile Numbers

This is non-negotiable. Your queue system needs to send reliable SMS notifications to Australian mobile numbers (+61) without charging international rates or experiencing delivery delays.

Why it matters:

• SMS has a 98% open rate (compared to 20% for email)
• Customers can wander nearby shops instead of crowding your entrance
• Reduces "how much longer?" interruptions to your staff

What to look for:

• Local Australian SMS gateway integration
• Predictable SMS pricing (ideally included in your plan)
• High deliverability rates to all Australian carriers (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone)
• Two-way SMS capability so customers can respond

2. QR Code Check-In (No App Required)

The days of asking customers to download an app are over. Modern queue systems use QR codes that customers scan with their phone's camera—no app download, no friction.

Why it matters:

• Customers join the queue in under 10 seconds
• Works on any smartphone (iPhone, Android)
• No staff intervention required for check-in
• Reduces physical crowding at your entrance

What to look for:

• Simple QR code generation
• Mobile-optimised check-in page
• Customisable branding
• Option to collect customer details (party size, special requests)

3. Real-Time Wait Time Estimates

Customers don't mind waiting—they mind not knowing how long they'll wait. Accurate wait time estimates transform frustration into patience.

Why it matters:

• Customers can make informed decisions about whether to wait
• Reduces walkouts from customers who would have stayed if they knew the wait was short
• Builds trust through transparency

What to look for:

• AI-powered wait time predictions based on historical data
• Live queue position updates
• Automatic adjustments as tables turn over

4. Integration with Existing Booking Systems

If you take reservations alongside walk-ins, your queue system should play nicely with your booking platform.

Why it matters:

• Single view of all expected guests (reservations + walk-ins)
• Better table allocation and planning
• Prevents overbooking or confusion

What to look for:

• Direct integrations with popular platforms (ResDiary, OpenTable, Quandoo)
• API access for custom integrations
• Manual override capabilities

5. Simple Staff Interface

Your front-of-house team is busy. They don't have time to navigate complex software while managing a busy service.

Why it matters:

• Faster adoption by staff
• Fewer errors during peak times
• Less training required for new team members

What to look for:

• Clean, intuitive dashboard
• One-click customer notifications
• Works on tablets, phones, and computers
• Offline capability for internet outages

6. Analytics and Reporting

Understanding your queue patterns helps you make smarter decisions about staffing, capacity, and service times.

Why it matters:

• Identify peak times and plan staffing accordingly
• Track average wait times and work to improve them
• Measure no-show rates and adjust policies

What to look for:

• Real-time dashboard
• Historical reporting
• Export capabilities
• Peak time analysis

Top 5 Queue Management Systems for Australian Restaurants

After extensive research and testing, here are the five best queue management systems for Australian restaurants in 2026.

1. ScanQueue — Best for Australian Restaurants

Overview: ScanQueue is an Australian-built queue management system designed specifically for local hospitality venues. Its standout feature is the seamless QR code check-in process that gets customers into your queue in seconds.

Key Features:

• QR code check-in with no app required
• SMS notifications via Australian gateway (fast, reliable delivery)
• Real-time wait time estimates
• Customisable SMS templates
• Multi-queue support for different areas or service types
• Analytics dashboard with peak time insights
• Two-way SMS (customers can reply DELAY or CANCEL)

Ideal For:

• Restaurants, cafés, and bars of all sizes
• Venues wanting Australian-based support
• Businesses seeking simple, affordable solutions

Pros:

• ✅ Purpose-built for Australian businesses
• ✅ Local support during Australian business hours
• ✅ SMS included in plans (no surprise charges)
• ✅ 5-minute setup
• ✅ Affordable pricing in AUD

Cons:

• ❌ Fewer integrations than some global competitors
• ❌ Limited appointment scheduling features

Pricing (AUD):

2. Waitwhile — Best for Feature-Rich Needs

Overview: Waitwhile is the global market leader in queue management, serving over 10,000 businesses worldwide including major brands like Louis Vuitton and Best Buy. It offers the most comprehensive feature set of any platform.

Key Features:

• Virtual waitlist with SMS and email notifications
• Online appointment scheduling
• Detailed analytics and reporting
• Extensive integrations (Zapier, Slack, Google)
• Custom branding
• Multi-location management
• API access for custom development

Ideal For:

• Restaurants needing advanced features
• Multi-location restaurant groups
• Tech-savvy operations wanting integrations

Pros:

• ✅ Industry-leading feature set
• ✅ Excellent integrations ecosystem
• ✅ Mature, well-tested platform
• ✅ Strong appointment scheduling

Cons:

• ❌ SMS costs can add up for Australian numbers
• ❌ Support primarily in US timezone
• ❌ Can be complex for simple needs
• ❌ Pricing in USD

Pricing (USD, approximately):

*SMS costs additional for Australian numbers

3. Qminder — Best for High-Volume Venues

Overview: Qminder is an enterprise-grade queue management system used by airports, banks, and large retail chains. For high-volume restaurant operations or food halls, it offers robust capabilities.

Key Features:

• iPad-based check-in kiosks
• Service intelligence and analytics
• Multi-location reporting
• Customer feedback collection
• Service time tracking
• Staff performance analytics

Ideal For:

• Food courts and food halls
• High-volume quick-service restaurants
• Venues requiring detailed service analytics

Pros:

• ✅ Handles very high volumes
• ✅ Detailed service analytics
• ✅ Professional kiosk mode
• ✅ Staff performance tracking

Cons:

• ❌ More complex than needed for typical restaurants
• ❌ Higher price point
• ❌ Requires hardware investment
• ❌ Enterprise-focused sales process

Pricing: Custom pricing based on requirements. Typically $200-500+/month for restaurant applications.

4. WaitWell — Best for Simplicity

Overview: WaitWell is a Canadian-based queue management system that prides itself on simplicity. It's a solid choice for restaurants that want basic queue functionality without complexity.

Key Features:

• Simple virtual waitlist
• SMS notifications
• Basic analytics
• QR code check-in
• Web-based dashboard
• Customer feedback

Ideal For:

• Restaurants wanting no-frills simplicity
• Small venues with basic needs
• Operators who prefer straightforward tools

Pros:

• ✅ Very easy to use
• ✅ Affordable pricing
• ✅ Quick setup
• ✅ Clean interface

Cons:

• ❌ Limited advanced features
• ❌ Not Australian-focused
• ❌ Fewer customisation options
• ❌ Basic analytics

Pricing (USD):

5. Qtrac — Best for Premium Experiences

Overview: Qtrac (by Lavi Industries) is a premium queue management solution used by high-end retailers and premium dining establishments. It's overkill for most restaurants but worth considering for fine dining or luxury venues.

Key Features:

• Virtual queuing with SMS
• Appointment scheduling
• Digital signage integration
• Advanced analytics
• Customer journey mapping
• Premium support

Ideal For:

• Fine dining restaurants
• Premium hospitality venues
• Operations requiring white-glove service

Pros:

• ✅ Premium feature set
• ✅ Excellent for high-end experiences
• ✅ Strong enterprise support
• ✅ Advanced customisation

Cons:

• ❌ Expensive for typical restaurants
• ❌ Complex implementation
• ❌ Overkill for casual dining
• ❌ US-focused company

Pricing: Enterprise pricing only. Expect $300-1,000+/month depending on requirements.

Feature Comparison Table

Pricing Comparison (AUD per Month)

*Converted from USD at approximate exchange rate. SMS costs may be additional.

Why Australian Restaurants Choose ScanQueue

While global platforms like Waitwhile offer impressive features, there are compelling reasons why many Australian restaurant owners prefer ScanQueue:

1. Built for Australian Mobile Networks

ScanQueue uses local Australian SMS gateways, ensuring fast, reliable delivery to Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone numbers.

2. Support During Australian Business Hours

When something goes wrong during your Saturday night rush, you need help now—not when San Francisco wakes up.

3. Pricing in AUD with SMS Included

No currency conversion surprises. No unexpected SMS bills.

4. Designed for Australian Hospitality

Built by people who understand Australian hospitality culture.

5. Quick Setup, Local Context

From GST-inclusive pricing to familiar terminology, ScanQueue feels like it was made for your business.

How to Implement a Queue Management System in Your Restaurant

Week 1: Selection and Setup

• Sign up for free trials
• Configure your account
• Prepare your team

Week 2: Soft Launch

• Introduce during slower shifts
• Gather feedback
• Refine SMS timing

Week 3: Full Launch

• Make QR check-in the default
• Position signage prominently
• Monitor and adjust

Conclusion: The Right Queue System Transforms Your Restaurant

Managing walk-ins doesn't have to be chaotic. With the right queue management system, you can reduce crowding, improve customer satisfaction, free up staff, capture valuable data, and increase covers.

For Australian restaurants, we recommend starting with ScanQueue. It's purpose-built for local venues, offers predictable AUD pricing with SMS included, and provides support during Australian business hours.

Last updated: January 2026