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Disclaimer: We try our best to be accurate but some venues may have temporary restrictions or closures due to Covid-19. Enquire directly or check the venue's website and social media before visiting.
For the ultimate chocolate experience...
The Easter weekend is a great excuse to treat yourself (and your kids) to copious amounts of chocolate. Between filling up your easter egg baskets and your tummy with sweet treats, join these behind-the-scenes tours and discover how your favourite chocolates are produced.
1. The Factory Tours
Photo above right: thewhereto/ TripadvisorWhen: Wednesday - Friday, 11am and 1pm
Where: Gosford, NSW
Arguably the sweetest place on NSW’s Central Coast, the Factory is home to family-favourite Australian confectioners Nougat Limar, Bon Bon Fine Chocolate and The Sydney Marshmallow Co. Join their factory tours to learn about how chocolates are made, then visit their cafe for an indulgent cake, ice cream and hot chocolate treat. Kids can also sign up for a fun Junior Chocolatiers Workshop.
“The chocolate factory hosts factory tours which run for approximately 30 minutes where you can learn about the chocolate-making process and packaging. They also run kids classes or workshops where children can learn in small groups (only 8 per class) how to make chocolate, nougat and taste! They get to design their own treats and receive a medal at the end of the class. We had a try of the fondue machine ourselves, dipping the nougat into the machine for a sublime chocolate taste.” - Sarah C
2. Sweet Farm Tours
When: Open Tuesday - Saturday
Where: Whyanbeel Valley, QLD
Support locally-grown cocoa with a visit to one of Australia’s pioneering cocoa farms. Get an insight into the bean-to-bar process as you join this guided tour around Daintree Estates, the first commercial manufacturer in history to make chocolate using Australian-grown cocoa.
“I enjoyed a wonderful tour of this trailblazing sugarcane and cocoa farm over Easter and can not recommend it highly enough! All the processes and innovations were explained and the mystery of how the beautiful cocoa pods transform into squares of delicious perfection was solved. The taste of the chocolate produced can not be compared to the bars that we are used to. I bought an embarrassing amount of chocolate from the fantastic gift shop but am finding it very difficult to give them up. Luckily I can order more online! Years of patient and dedicated farming have paid off with amazing niche products that you can enjoy guilt-free. This is a wonderful tour delivered by an impressive family business that everyone visiting Port Douglas will enjoy.” - _taniafiegert
3. Whistler's Chocolate Co
When: Open Wednesday - Sunday, 9am - 5pm
Where: Swan Valley, WA
Visit the showroom of Whistler’s Chocolate Co, Western Australia’s oldest chocolate company that has been making traditional chocolates and confectioneries for over forty years. Treat yourself to free tastings and peek into the factory viewing windows before filling up your easter basket at the gift shop. The property is also home to sister company Margaret River Providore—a one-stop-shop where you can get fresh produce, olive oils, wines and a very decadent chocolate liqueur.
“Chocolate lovers dream, great chocolate selection, especially with Easter fast approaching they have some great Easter eggs.” - Morena L
4. Chocoholic Tours
When: Daily at 10.45am and 2.15pm
Where: Melbourne CBD, VIC
Discover the sweet side of Melbourne with Chocoholic Tours. Join a local guide on this family-friendly walking tour and enjoy a variety of Australian chocolates while learning about the stories behind each maker.
“I had the sugary pleasure of this tour today with my 5-year-old. The tour experience was extremely professional and friendly. Booking online was easy and follow up before the tour was professional and appreciated. We visited 6 shops, enjoyed an extremely generous amount of samples and got to experience a great piece of Melbourne. Our tour guide had an impressive amount of knowledge about chocolate and Melbourne as well. I'd highly recommend this tour. It's very good value for money and great with young kids too.” - Sams_Family2014
For Australia's tastiest hot cross buns.
Hot cross buns—another sweet treat we can’t say no to every Easter. Travellers on Tripadvisor say these are where you can find Australia’s best buns.
5. Gumnut Patisserie
When: Opening hours here
Where: Various outlets in Mittagong, Berrima and Bowral, NSW
You’ll have to get up early for this—Gumnut Patisserie’s hot cross buns fly off the shelf real quick, and it’s easy to see why. Their hot cross buns are handmade using a traditional brioche dough mixed with juicy Australian sultanas, currants and mixed peel, then finished with a delicious glaze of vanilla, cinnamon, aniseed, nutmeg and sugar syrup. Definitely worth the early morning alarm.
“Best hot cross buns EVER. Purchased 1/2 dozen hot cross buns and froze for Easter. Wow they were great. Next time a dozen!!!” - Susan N
6. CJ’s Bakery
When: Mon - Sat: 8am - 5pm; Sun: 8am - 3pm
Where: Christies Beach, SA
This bakery’s vegan hot cross buns have won multiple statewide and nationwide awards. These sweetly-spiced goodies also come in three unique flavours—traditional, fruitless and chocolate chip.
“Best hot cross buns in the world. These guys do a great job, the shop is always clean and fresh and the selection of pies and cakes amazing. The shop is always busy but Andrew, Kerry and the staff always have time for a smile and a chat.” - kevinjbarry2017
7. Red Beard Historic Bakery
When: Fri - Mon 9am - 3pm (Takeaway only)
Where: Trentham, VIC
Every Easter, the artisan bakers at RedBeard Historic Bakery make thousands of certified organic hot cross buns by hand. The bakery is also famous for its sourdough bread and pastries, all of which are baked in an enormous 19th century wood-fired Scotch oven.
“So so good to see the tray of buns being finished with the glaze, how could I not get some to take home. They were too hot to put into a bag so sat bravely on the seat next to me all the way home. What willpower. Redbeards Blonde loaf is a must as well, very special bakery.” - b0ris2
For Easter egg hunting…
If you’ve had your fill of sweet treats, burn off those calories and join one of these family-friendly Easter egg hunts across the country.
8. Doggy Easter Egg Hunt
Where: Spotswood & Kingsville RSL, VIC
Bring your fur-kids to this adorable Easter egg hunt organised by Gourmet Pawprints. Humans can enjoy an afternoon tea picnic box filled with hot cross buns, croissants, tea and wine while the dogs sniff out hidden carob Easter eggs.
9. The Great Centennial Park Egg Hunt
When: 3, 4 April 2021
Where: Centennial Park, NSW
Calling all young eggs-plorers—join Centennial Park’s educational rangers on this special Easter-themed event and learn about all things eggs-citing. Follow the trail map and learn about which Australian animals lay eggs, then complete the activities to be rewarded with—yes, you guessed it—more chocolate.
10. The Great Easter Egg Hunt of Corin Forest
When: 2-5 April 2021
Where: Corin Forest, ACT
Stage your own socially-distanced easter egg hunt in this snowy mountain resort just an hour away from Canberra. Book a ticket to Alpine Slide or Snowplay between 2 - 5 April and receive a free bag of easter eggs which you can hide around the resort’s expansive picnic area. Set out on an egg-hunting mission, then make it a full day of fun with a ride on their Alpine Slide. This scenic slide descends 1.2km through the Mountain Ash forest and is well-loved by travellers of all ages.
“If the scenery on the drive up isn't enough to make a trip to Corin Forest memorable and worthwhile, the alpine slide and the great hot chocolates should be! Definitely one of Canberra's best-kept secrets, the longest alpine slide in the Southern Hemisphere (or so they say!) is tremendous fun for all ages. I'm 31 and I loved every second. Try going down without breaking—it's an epic thrill! Going just once or twice isn't enough! You'll want to ride four or five times!” - Andrew K
Source: TripAdvisor
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