This winter, Mt Buller will become the epicentre of Australia’s most ambitious culinary and nightlife transformation. Starting June 5, renowned hospitality powerhouse Tommy Collins will launch their Winter Takeover, bringing Melbourne’s most celebrated chefs and the city’s signature energy to the snow-capped peaks across four spectacular weekends.
Bringing Melbourne to the Mountain promises to redefine alpine hospitality, welding together intimate fine dining experiences with high-octane street parties that will turn Mt Buller’s iconic Bourke Street into the country’s most elevated après-ski destination—literally and figuratively.
A Culinary Summit at 1,600 Metres
The heart of this alpine revolution beats at Villager and Little Villager, Tommy Collins’ beloved mountainside venues, which will host rotating takeovers by Melbourne’s culinary royalty. Grant Smillie of the LA-inspired sensation Marmont—a Crown partnership that has dominated Melbourne’s dining conversation—kicks off the series on June 5. Following him, Jason Jones from the acclaimed Entrecôte takes command on August 15-16, with Spanish maestro Frank Camorra of MoVida closing out the announced lineup on September 1-2, with additional culinary legends yet to be revealed.
Each weekend, transformation delivers an exclusive five-course alpine feast designed for just 120 guests per night, where signature Melbourne flavours meet bold mountain influences. These aren’t mere dinners—they’re high-altitude theatrical experiences complete with curated beverage programs featuring standout wines, signature cocktails, and what Tommy Collins promises will be “cheeky surprises.” Live entertainment and music will amplify the atmosphere, creating an intimate yet electric environment that capitalises on the dramatic alpine setting.
Street Party Revolution
While the restaurant takeovers cater to discerning food enthusiasts, Tommy Collins refuses to keep the party contained within four walls. Every Thursday afternoon, Bourke Street undergoes a complete metamorphosis, shutting down to vehicular traffic and opening up to pure celebration. These Après-Ski Street Parties represent a fundamental reimagining of mountain culture, fusing Melbourne’s sophisticated cocktail scene with the raw energy of alpine celebration.
The street parties promise world-class DJs spinning from midday through golden hour, transforming the mountain thoroughfare into an outdoor nightclub. Luxurious lounge areas and vibrant open-air bars will serve signature cocktails, vintage wines, and specially crafted alpine shooters to a carefully curated crowd of 200 revellers. The dress code—snow boot,s meeting statement coats—captures the event’s philosophy of merging practical mountain living with cosmopolitan glamour.
The People’s Party Launches Everything
The entire winter program launches with unprecedented fanfare during the King’s Birthday Weekend. On Thursday, June 5, from 1PM to 5PM, Grant Smillie and Friends will host what Tommy Collins describes as “a party for the people”—an all-access alpine celebration that welcomes everyone from local ski lift operators to visiting Melbourne sophisticates.
This inaugural event will feature pyrotechnics, surprise performances, Californian-style cuisine, and an atmosphere of “unapologetic good times.” It’s a deliberate statement from Tommy Collins about their vision: premium experiences that remain fundamentally inclusive and celebratory rather than exclusive and stuffy.
Redefining Mountain Culture
The Winter Takeover represents more than seasonal programming—it’s Tommy Collins’ mission to permanently elevate Mt Buller’s status as a premium destination for dining, drinking, and dancing. By importing Melbourne’s culinary excellence and nightlife sophistication to the mountains, they’re creating a new category of alpine experience that rivals international ski destinations.
This ambitious project leverages Tommy Collins Group’s established reputation as one of Australia’s most innovative hospitality operators. Known for their signature blend of creativity, curation, and community building, the group has built a portfolio spanning off-site catering, artisanal baking, neighbourhood cafes, dynamic bars, and restaurant operations that consistently redefine Australian dining culture.
The Winter Takeover promises to deliver that same transformative energy to Mt Buller, creating weekends designed for food lovers, snow enthusiasts, and anyone seeking the intersection of Melbourne sophistication and alpine adventure. With multiple weekends of programming still to be announced, this winter season positions Mt Buller as Australia’s most compelling destination for those who refuse to choose between world-class cuisine and mountain thrills.
Calendar of events
Marmont at Mt Buller
- June 5th | King’s Birthday Weekend ‘Party for the People’ presented by Grant Smillie & Friends: Book Here
- June 6th | Marmont Friday Night Takeover Dinner: Book Here
- June 7th | Marmont Saturday Night Takeover Dinner: Book Here
MoVida meets Mt Buller
- August 1st | MoVida Friday Night Takeover Dinner: Book Here
- August 2nd | MoVida Saturday Night Takeover Dinner: Book Here
Entrecôte the French Alps Way
- August 15th | Entrecôte Friday Night Takeover Dinner: Book Here
- August 16th | Entrecote Saturday Night Takeover Dinner: Book Here
Are you as excited as we are about this insane lineup and once-in-a-lifetime event? Be sure to grab tickets soon and do not sleep on this one! Check out our other Melbourne events coming up, and be sure to let us know what you’re up to around Melbourne.
