A chocolate-themed WA holiday could be the perfect break.
Do you adore the scent of cacao and the complex flavours a talented chocolatier can bring to life? Why not plan your travel around popular chocolate makers?
Chocolate is a delicious experience for the tastebuds. Whether sweet treats for family or crafted edible art for yourself, these Western Australia suggestions will kickstart an unforgettable itinerary.
The Margaret River Chocolate Company
Since 1999, these chocolates have been an appreciated gift among West Australians.
It’s an iconic gourmet chocolate range, and you’ll find The Margaret River Chocolate Company factories and cafes in Margaret River and the Swan Valley, two of the state’s lauded wine regions.
In both locations, visitors can watch premium chocolates being made through viewing windows, and indulge in chocolate tastings.
If your trip is solely to the state’s capital, you’re in luck. The Margaret River Chocolate Company has a Perth City store on Murray Street, with the entrance off Wolf Lane.
Denmark Chocolate Company
Roughly a five-hour drive down south from Perth, Denmark is a picturesque WA town known for exquisite culinary offerings, award-winning local wine and beer and beautiful art.
Denmark Chocolate Company offers gorgeous handmade chocolates and beverages, in a breathtaking spot for nature lovers. (Closed for winter break until 5 September.)
The licensed chocolate lounge lets you enjoy an alcoholic drink with your handmade chocolates. Private tasting sessions are for 18+ visitors. Bookings are required.
Whistler’s Chocolate Company
There’s a time-honoured feel to Whistler’s Chocolate Company, which has been making beloved chocolates and confectionery for more than half a century, with recipes passed through the generations.
Situated in the Swan Valley, a wine region just over half an hour from Perth, there’s a café, gift store and showroom onsite. Kids will also love the garden.
Make sure to check out the chocolate sculptures, and the free samples. If visiting from interstate, you might want to purchase a chocolate quokka.
Gabriel Chocolate
Known as WA’s first bean to bar chocolate makers, Gabriel Chocolate creates exemplary single-origin chocolate from scratch.
Premium cacao beans sourced globally are shipped to Western Australia before being crafted into unforgettable chocolate.
In recent months, Gabriel’s Chocolate moved 12 kilometres to an expanded location in Metricup, part of the famous Margaret River region.
Visitors to the custom facility and café can enjoy free tastings and chat about the chocolate-making process. The cafe is known for a delectable gelato range and legendary chocolate chunk cookies.
Sue Lewis Chocolatier
Known for only using ethically sourced sustainable chocolate, the Sue Lewis Chocolatier store – located in Perth’s State Buildings – is where the magic happens.
Chef Sue Lewis learnt chocolate making under iconic English chocolatier Paul A. Young.
Handmade and packaged onsite, the filled chocolate is preservative free, with a changing array of local and seasonal ingredients.
The stunning range is made in small batches. Fine food connoisseurs might find themselves visiting more than once, moved by the intricate flavours.
Fremantle Chocolate
Fremantle Chocolate was created by the founder of the Margaret River Fudge Factory. The gourmet chocolate company has more than 300 products in its range.
Located in Bibra Lake, sweet lovers are spoilt for choice. Alongside chocolates and fudge, you’ll find traditional lollies.
In the mood for choc-dipped strawberries? Try melting the couverture chocolate buttons.
Visitors to the store can take a peek into the factory window to see chocolates in production and sample some of the chocolate and fudge available onsite.
Special mention: Nakamura Chocolates
Perth artisan chocolate maker Yuki Nakamura’s exquisite chocolate range is available in Western Australia, and Japan. She is a sitting board member of the Australia-Japan Foundation.
Nakamura Chocolates are stocked at select specialty stores in WA. Make the effort to locate some while on the road in the West, or consider ordering a box when you get home.
Special mention: Bahen & Co
Once winemakers, the Bahen & Co Chocolate Maker artisans are adored for their traditional stone-ground chocolate. Cacao is sourced direct from farms globally, exceeding Fair Trade.
You’ll likely come across the range, stocked widely in WA. The bars especially are recognisable for the distinct colourful print packaging. Alternately, you can order online.
Do you have a favourite chocolate? Let us know in the comments section below.
Also read: Why you should eat more chocolate
I know this article was predominantly about chocolate makers but the word “Fudge” was sprinkled in there also. For that reason I question why the fantastic fudge makers, Betternay Nougat (also in the Margaret River region, not far from Margaret River Chocolate Factory) wasn’t mentioned. It would be a terrible shame to be so close and and not avail ones self of their delights.