Fondue Chalet: escape to the French Alps—without leaving Melbourne!
Melbourne’s winter just got a whole lot warmer—and cheesier.
This season, Fondue Chalet is back at Fed Square, and if you’ve been before, you’ll notice something new straight away… there’s now a delicious decision to make.
For seven weeks from 14 May to 28 June 2026, part of Federation Square transforms into a cosy alpine village, complete with private wooden chalets (imported straight from France), glowing lights, fire pits, and the unmistakable scent of melted cheese drifting through the air.
Unmissable Melbourne Fondue Chalet
If you’ve ever dreamt of an après-ski experience without the airfare, this is your chance!
Fondue or Raclette—what will you choose?
The biggest update for 2026 is the introduction of a second Alpine classic. When you book, your group will choose your cheese ritual for the evening:
- Fondue: A bubbling pot of rich, melted Alpine cheese at the centre of the table—perfect for dipping bread and charcuterie.
- Raclette: Melted cheese scraped generously over potatoes, pickles, and cured meats—hearty, comforting, and just as indulgent.
It’s all about slowing down, sharing food, and enjoying that simple pleasure of gathering around the table.
Marjie’s review
FONDUE AND RACLETTE: ONLY IN WINTER!
THEN… Years ago in Toulouse, I proudly invited my French hosts to a summer meal of fondue and raclette. I thought I was being authentic, but I was met with gentle smiles and the realisation that I’d “missed the memo”: in France, these are strictly winter affairs!
AND NOW… The opportunity to savour these specialties at a Melbourne winter pop-up was a must. Our choice was raclette. The cheese was divine, and the charcuterie and pickles were excellent. It was a shame the (essential) potatoes weren’t properly cooked, but as it was opening night, I’m confident they’ll find their mojo.
The night was really about the alpine experience. It began with mulled wine and a stunning vista of the Melbourne skyline. Looking through abstract snow crystals to the mini-chalets gave a completely different take on this space (usually a Federation Square car park!).
The servers were all native French speakers in classic berets. Most importantly, they let me practice my French—it is a perfect coincidence that I participate in my U3A Melbourne City French class right there at Fed Square!
Our cosy wooden chalet felt private and quiet. Later, we moved outside to toast massive marshmallows over an open fire, dipping fruit into melted Koko Black chocolate—the ultimate relaxation. With top-notch drinks from Koko Black to Casa spirits served with flourish, it was a delight.
It’s not just about the food; it’s a fun experience to share with friends or colleagues. I’d do it all over again—perhaps switching to fondue next time.
Bon appétit!
A slice of the French Alps in the heart of the city
Melbourne’s Fondue Chalet is made to feel like a quick trip to the French Alps.
With 18 private wooden chalets, two tonnes of imported French cheese, and a team of French waiters to serve you, every detail has been carefully curated to transport you to a winter wonderland.
Your outing begins with a warm mug of mulled wine as you soak in the atmosphere of this enchanting alpine village. Once inside your chalet, your fondue guide will serve up a traditional Savoie-style cheese fondue, crafted from a perfect blend. Think Comté, Beaufort, Emmental, and Vacherin cheeses, melted to perfection with white wine and a splash of kirsch.
Pair it with crusty bread, cured meats, and a selection of à la carte French wines, then gather around the fire pit to roast marshmallows and enjoy the winter magic.
More than just cheese: a sweet finish
If you have a sweet tooth, make sure to book the chocolate fondue add-on. After devouring your savoury feast, you’ll be treated to a decadent Belgian chocolate fondue, perfect for dipping seasonal fruits and sweet treats.
New this year, each chalet also includes a wine fridge stocked with French wines, so you can enjoy a glass at your own pace without leaving your cosy space. Additional charges apply.
Anne’s review
Just had the cheesiest night at Fondue Chalet and absolutely loved it! The cheese fondue was rich, warm, and ridiculously delicious—perfect for a chilly Melbourne evening.
The cosy chalets felt like stepping into the French Alps, and having real French waiters added such a fun, authentic touch. A great night out with friends, full of laughs, melted cheese, and marshmallows by the fire. Highly recommend!
After dinner: Firepits & Après-Ski vibes
Once dinner wraps up, the experience continues outside. Guests gather around the fire pits to toast marshmallows, chat, and soak up the atmosphere.
There’s also an après-ski style bar area, where you can keep the night going with a drink in hand—very much in the spirit of a French winter evening.
Sip your way through the Alps
While the melted cheese may be the star of the show, the drinks list at Fondue Chalet deserves plenty of attention too. Each package includes a warming mulled wine or mulled cider on arrival (with non-alcoholic options available), setting the tone for a cosy winter evening from the moment you step inside your chalet.
Beyond that, there’s an impressive selection of drinks available to purchase, including French wines by the glass or bottle, indulgent boozy hot chocolates from Koko Black, handcrafted cocktails, and winter warmers like the Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour and the wonderfully named DoubleTree Drunken Cookie Cocktail. There are also convenient canned cocktails and beer for something easy and refreshing between cheese courses.
If you enjoy matching your wine to your fondue or raclette, the curated list of French reds, whites, and rosés adds another authentic touch to the Alpine experience.
Book Your Chalet – Limited Spots Available
Fondue Chalet is designed for groups of 6–8, making it the perfect winter outing with family or friends. Sessions are limited, so book early to secure your spot!
- Dates: 14 May – 28 June 2026
- Location: Skyline Terrace, Fed Square, Melbourne
- Pricing: From $79 per person for 6 or 8 people
- Add-on: Chocolate fondue available at $59 for 6pp or $79 for 8pp
- Children under six eat for free
What’s included?
The Fondue Chalet package includes:
- A glass of warm mulled wine (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) per person upon arrival
- A private chalet for your group
- A Fondue Savoyarde dinner (three French cheeses, charcuterie, pickles & crusty bread for dipping)
- A private firepit for roasting marshmallows
- A marshmallow skewer
The Mountain Raclette package includes:
- A glass of warm mulled wine (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) per person upon arrival
- A private chalet for your group
- Raclette cheese ready to grill served with steamed potatoes
- Charcuterie Board (veggie option available)
- A dedicated Cheese Guide
- Best for coeliac and gluten free guests and suitable for vegetarians.
Tips for the Ultimate Fondue Chalet Experience
- Book in advance: Chalets fill up quickly, so secure your spot early.
- Groups only: The experience is for groups of 6-8 people. Note that you cannot book for fewer people.
- Gluten-free options available: The Raclette package is the best option as it is served with potatoes instead of bread.
- Not vegan-friendly: If you are vegetarian you may choose to skip the charcuterie and enjoy just the cheese fondue.
- Drinks are an extra charge: Both packages include one first drink of mulled wine or cider. After that, the generous drinks list is additional.
- Firepit time included: Each session includes 1 hour in the chalet plus 30 minutes at the firepit. Adding chocolate fondue extends it to 2 hours.
- Non-alcoholic mulled wine available: Just ask if you’d prefer it.
- Toilets: There are just two portaloos and one accessible toilet onsite. Expect a tight squeeze.
- Accessibility: Up to four of the chalets are wheelchair accessible.
- Getting there: Fondue Chalet is hosted at Skyline Terrace at Federation Square, within Melbourne’s Free Tram Zone and a short distance from Flinders Street transport hub.
A Winter Experience You Won’t Forget
“Fondue Chalet is all about bringing people together,” says Vincent Hernandez, Founder & Managing Director of BBR Group Australia.
“After seeing how much Melbourne loved our Raclette Igloo, we wanted to take it to the next level—importing authentic chalets and alpine cheeses from France to create the ultimate melted cheese experience.”
So, gather your loved ones, bundle up, and get ready to experience a cosy, cheese-filled winter escape—all without leaving the city!
For bookings and more information, visit fonduechalet.com.au
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The Seniors in Melbourne team were hosted as guests of Fondue Chalet. All opinions are the writers’ own,
