Photo: Sardaka ( talk ) 11:09, 3 January 2011 (UTC) / CC BY 3.0
Just a short detour from the iconic Great Ocean Road, the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie is a sweet-tooth’s paradise set in a sleek, modern building surrounded by lush gardens. This artisanal chocolate factory offers an immersive experience where you can watch chocolatiers at work, sample an astonishing array of handcrafted treats, and stock up on souvenirs. The on-site café serves indulgent hot chocolates, Belgian waffles, and light lunches, making it a perfect pit stop on a coastal road trip.
Highlights & What to See
- Factory Viewing Gallery – Peer through large windows to see the chocolate-making process, from bean-to-bar, and watch skilled artisans tempering and enrobing.
- Tasting Room – Sample a vast selection of chocolates, truffles, and fudges; don’t miss the signature honeycomb chocolate and the chilli-infused dark chocolate.
- Chocolate-Flavoured Ice Cream – On a warm day, treat yourself to a scoop (or two) of their house-made gelato, including a decadent Belgian chocolate flavour.
- Gardens & Picnic Area – The manicured grounds feature a children’s play area, a giant chess set, and plenty of space for a relaxed picnic with your chocolate haul.
- Gift Shop – Pick up beautifully packaged chocolate bars, gift boxes, and local produce like honey and jams – perfect for presents or self-indulgence.
Suggested Time to Spend
Allocate 45 minutes to an hour for a visit, which gives you time to explore the factory gallery, taste your way through the samples, and enjoy a hot chocolate or ice cream at the café. If you’re travelling with kids or want a leisurely lunch, allow up to 90 minutes. The Chocolaterie works well as a quick stop on the way to the Twelve Apostles or as a sweet finale after a day of coastal walks.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Torquay – The official start of the Great Ocean Road, famous for its surf beaches (Bells Beach) and the Australian National Surfing Museum.
- Anglesea – A charming coastal town with a lovely river estuary, great for swimming and kayaking, and home to the Anglesea Golf Club’s resident kangaroo population.
- Aireys Inlet – Visit the historic Split Point Lighthouse (known as the “White Queen”) and enjoy views from the clifftop walking tracks.
- Lorne – A vibrant seaside town with waterfalls (Erskine Falls), a lively main street, and excellent cafes – a classic Great Ocean Road stop.
- Kennett River – A prime spot for spotting wild koalas in the eucalypt trees along the riverbank; often seen from the car park.
- Great Otway National Park – Drive through ancient rainforest, see the iconic Cape Otway Lighthouse, and take short walks to waterfalls like Triplet Falls.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.