Jump to a section:
- Cheese Boxes & Cheese Selection
- Delivery, Dispatch & Packaging
- Shelf Life & Cheese Care
- Orders, Accounts & Product Questions
- Brisbane Pick-up & Corporate Orders
- Shipping Costs & Restricted Postcodes
- Non-Cheese Products
- Alpine Rewards Program
- Subscription Packs
- Alpine Pass (Free-Flow Shipping Pass)
Cheese Boxes & Cheese Selection
What are Alpine Express cheese boxes?
Alpine Express cheese boxes are curated selections of cheese and accompaniments chosen by Tom — designed to make building a beautiful cheese board effortless.
What is Alpine Express Cheese Selection?
Alpine Express Cheese Selection lets you order Swiss artisan cheeses by the piece. Mix and match cheeses, choose your size, and add accompaniments — like shopping at a cheese deli counter.
Delivery, Dispatch & Packaging
How are cheese boxes and cheese selection sent to me?
Each order is packed in environmentally friendlier insulated cardboard packaging with ice packs to help keep everything chilled in transit. Most “Express” orders (excluding PO Boxes/Parcel Lockers) ship via StarTrack. PO Boxes/Parcel Lockers, and some heavier orders (5kg+), ship via Australia Post Express. Please confirm your postcode is within the network here: Australia Post delivery coverage.
We pack to suit expected delivery timeframes for most national areas. For rural postcodes, please contact us before ordering — we can add extra ice and insulation at additional cost. If a delivery delay occurs due to carrier issues or external events, we cannot guarantee product condition; however, please contact us and we will work with you to find the best solution.
When will my order be sent out?
Cheese and other food orders are collated and dispatched on Mondays (unless advised otherwise, e.g. around public holidays). Cut-off is 8pm (Sydney time) on the Sunday prior. The next dispatch date is displayed on the website and also included in your order confirmation email.
You will receive tracking on dispatch (and it is also available in My Account if you are registered). Non-food items are generally dispatched within 2–3 business days.
I need something urgently — can you dispatch on other days?
Yes, in certain cases we can. For ready-packaged cheeses (for example fondue packs) and non-food items, we may be able to arrange an out-of-cycle dispatch. A $25 one-off rush dispatch fee applies. Please contact us before placing your order so we can confirm availability and timing.
Shelf Life & Cheese Care
What is the shelf life of the cheese?
All cheeses include best-before or use-by dates and are generally vacuum packed for transport and handling. Vacuum-packed cheeses typically have up to ~2 months shelf life. If you choose cheese paper packing, we date it with 21 days shelf life. Some soft, fresh or blue cheeses may have shorter dates — this is noted on the product page.
Dates are guidance only; many cheeses can be enjoyed beyond the printed date. If you are unsure, simply ask us.
Can I get more information about the cheese I have received?
Yes. Many cheeses include extra information such as recipe ideas, and every cheese label includes a QR code linking to the full product description online. If you still have questions, drop us a line — we are happy to help.
Why does my cheese have a red shine to it?
Some Swiss cheeses can develop a natural reddish hue during maturation. It is typically associated with the ageing process and flavour development.
Orders, Accounts & Product Questions
Can you guarantee supply?
Not always. From time to time, we may need to substitute cheeses listed in a box description. When we do, we select an equal or better alternative and aim to inform you before dispatch so you can decide how you would like to proceed.
Our store will generally show availability (or “grey out” unavailable items). If something you want is out of stock, you can leave your email on the product page to be notified when it returns.
Can I change some of the cheese in curated cheese boxes/packs?
Not at the moment. If you would like to suggest future box combinations, please let us know. If you prefer to build your own mix, our Cheese Selection is the best option.
How do I create an account?
Accounts are created during checkout. Simply leave “Create an account” ticked (it is selected by default). This also enables you to earn Alpine Rewards.
I’ve received my cheese but some pieces are slightly underweight. Why is that?
Cheese is a natural product and pieces can vary. Our terms & conditions allow up to a 10% variance on an individual piece. Where multiple pieces are ordered, variations often balance out across the order. If your overall order is short, please contact us and we will refund the difference.
What if I’m not happy with the cheese I received?
We take quality seriously. If something is not right, please contact us and complete our delivery issue report. We will review it promptly and work with you to resolve it.
Brisbane Pick-up & Corporate Orders
What if I have a larger event or function and would like to purchase large quantities?
We would be happy to help. Please contact us for a consultation, or see our Corporate Solutions page.
I live in Brisbane and would like to collect the cheese. Is that possible?
Yes. Pick-up is available on dispatch days only (generally Mondays) between 10am and 2pm (the Sunday 8pm order cut-off still applies).
Pick-up address: Unit 2, 148 Tennyson Memorial Avenue, Tennyson QLD 4068 (entry via Curzon St). It’s the second unit from the left when you face the building. Look for an open roller door and speak with our team.
Please note: the free pick-up option will only appear at checkout if you enter a Brisbane Metro postcode in the delivery address.
Shipping Costs & Restricted Postcodes
What are your shipping costs?
Shipping options are shown at checkout. Cheese and perishable food shipments are charged at a flat rate based on order value (the more you order, the less postage you pay):
- $25 (incl. GST) for cart totals up to $150
- $15 (incl. GST) for cart totals between $150 and $300
- $5 (incl. GST) for cart totals over $300
Brisbane Metro pricing follows the same table (with pick-up available — see above).
You may also like our annual free-shipping option: Alpine Pass (free shipping on eligible orders $150+).
Only certain metro areas can be dispatched in a short week — what are the eligible postcodes?
During certain short weeks (for example around public holidays), we may restrict dispatch to East Coast metropolitan areas where we can reliably meet delivery timeframes. Eligible postcodes are listed here: Restricted Postcode Dispatch Details.
Non-Cheese Products
I’ve received the saucisson but it’s showing some unusually looking mould. What should I do?
In many cases, this is healthy mould growth and is normal for traditionally aged smallgoods. For detailed guidance (including photos and examples), please see our supplier’s guide: Guide to Mould (La Bastide) — PDF .
Alpine Rewards Program
What is the Alpine Rewards Program?
Alpine Rewards is our loyalty program offering special discounts, coupons and more. Full details are on the Alpine Rewards Program page.
How can I accumulate Alpine Rewards?
Rewards accrue for registered customers who are logged in. Points are credited to your account once an order is completed. You can check your points and status in My Account.
How can I create an account?
An account is created automatically during checkout. You will receive a password and can reset or change it anytime. If you prefer not to have an account, you can untick the account option at checkout — however, rewards points will not accrue without an account.
How do I check my loyalty points balance and redeem rewards?
You will see points shown during checkout, and you can view your current balance and level at any time in your account profile (via My Account).
How do I use my rewards?
When you unlock a reward, you will receive a unique coupon. Redeem it at checkout. Many rewards apply automatically; otherwise, enter your code in the Discount field and click Apply.
Can I refer someone and receive additional points?
Yes. If you are logged in, you will see your personal referral link on the Alpine Rewards Program page. Share it with a friend — once they place their first order over $50 (and create an account), you receive 500 bonus points. Points are awarded once their order is completed.
Subscription Packs
What are Subscription Packs?
Subscription Packs are curated cheese boxes you subscribe to and receive at regular intervals.
Can I pause or cancel my subscription?
Yes. You can pause or cancel subscriptions in My Account.
Can I change my subscription to a different variation/size?
If the subscription product offers variations (for example different sizes), you can switch in My Account. Open your active subscription and select “Switch Subscription”.
Can I change my address or payment method for my subscription order?
Yes. Go to My Account, open your active subscription, and update your address and/or payment method.
How are postage rates for subscriptions calculated?
Subscription shipping is calculated the same way as standard cheese orders. See shipping costs above.
I would like to remove specific types of products from my subscription box. Is that possible?
Not at the moment. Subscription boxes are curated selections and currently cannot be customised by excluding specific cheeses.
I would like to add specific products on top of my regular subscription. Is that possible?
Not currently — we cannot guarantee stock availability of additional items across the full subscription period. If you have specific requirements, please talk to us.
For individual product subscriptions, what happens if the product goes out of stock?
We aim to ring-fence stock for active subscriptions where possible. If a product becomes unavailable, we will contact you and offer a substitute or pause the subscription until it returns.
Alpine Pass (Free-Flow Shipping Pass)
How does the Free-Flow Shipping Pass work?
After purchase, free shipping applies automatically to eligible orders of $150+ (after discounts) placed under your account. No coupon code is required — it applies at checkout.
How long is the Pass valid for?
The Pass is valid for 12 months from the purchase date. We will remind you before it expires so you can renew if you wish.
Does the Pass cover all deliveries?
The Pass covers deliveries within Australia (cheese, other foods and non-food items). It does not include international shipping.
What happens if my order total is under $150?
Standard shipping charges apply if an order is under $150. If you are part of Alpine Rewards, any eligible shipping credits or tier benefits will still reduce that cost.
Can I use the Pass together with other discounts or rewards?
Yes. The Pass works alongside your existing Alpine Rewards benefits, and you earn double loyalty points while your Pass is active.
Can I share my Pass with someone else?
No. The Pass is linked to your personal Alpine Express account and can only be used for orders placed under that account.
How do I know if the Pass is active on my account?
You will receive a confirmation email after purchase, and your account dashboard in My Account shows your Pass status and expiry date.
Can I cancel or get a refund for my Pass?
Because benefits apply instantly, the Pass is non-refundable once purchased. If you are unsure, start with standard shipping — you can upgrade to the Pass anytime.
Is there a limit to how many times I can use the Pass?
No limits. Use it as often as you like during the 12-month period — simply meet the $150 minimum each time.