Junee Licorice And Chocolate Factory

In the heart of the Hunter Valley, a sweet-toothed pilgrimage awaits at the Junee Licorice And Chocolate Factory. Housed in a historic railway station, this family-run operation is a love letter to confectionery craftsmanship. The aroma of cocoa and aniseed welcomes you as you step inside, where you can watch chocolatiers hand-dipping and moulding through a viewing window. It’s a sensory immersion into the region’s artisan food scene, perfect for a relaxed afternoon treat.

Highlights & What to See

• Chocolate & Licorice Tasting Room – Sample an array of silky chocolates, from classic milk to dark chilli, alongside traditional and gourmet licorice twists that put supermarket versions to shame.
• Factory Viewing Gallery – Peer through the glass to see the intricate process of tempering, moulding, and hand-decorating – a fascinating peek behind the scenes.
• Heritage Railway Station Setting – The factory occupies the original Junee Railway Station, a beautifully restored 1880s building with period charm and a small museum of railway memorabilia.
• Café & Gift Shop – Sip a hot chocolate or coffee paired with a slice of cake, then browse the shop for take-home boxes of handmade treats and local produce.
• Outdoor Picnic Area – On fine days, enjoy your purchases on the grassy lawns dotted with vintage railway carriages – a quirky spot for a sugar-fuelled break.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allocate 1 to 1.5 hours for a relaxed visit: 30 minutes for the tasting room and viewing gallery, followed by a coffee and cake in the café. If you’re a serious chocoholic or want to join a guided tour (available on select days), budget up to 2 hours. The factory is a perfect stopover – not a full-day destination – so pair it with other Hunter Valley attractions to fill your day.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Pokolbin – The heart of Hunter Valley wine country, with cellar doors, vineyards, and gourmet restaurants a 40-minute drive away.
• Wollombi – A historic village with a quirky pub and scenic drives through the Wollemi National Park, about 30 minutes north.
• Hunter Valley Gardens – Magnificent themed gardens and a shopping village in Pokolbin, ideal for a family outing.
• The Vintage Golf Course – An 18-hole championship course set among vineyards, perfect for golfers combining wine and sweets.
• Broke – A quieter wine sub-region with boutique cellar doors and a laid-back country vibe, 20 minutes west.

Please check official sources for current details.