A Self-Drive Chocolate Tour of Canberra

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Posted 2018-02-07 by Sue W ⇒ follow

Do you love chocolate? Really, who doesn't! Who wouldn't like the creamy, sugary goodness which just melts in the mouth and gives you a warm hug from the inside? Most people have a penchant for a certain type of chocolate - white, dark, milk, salted caramel, mint, strawberry, soft centre, hard centre - the delicious list is endless. Around Canberra we have some particularly decadent chocolate shops, however they are spread far and wide across the city. This however, is the perfect excuse for a self-drive chocolate tour of Canberra, to check them all out and see the sights along the way. Organise a day to go with a few friends, your Mum, or just go on your own and experience the magic of chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate. You won't be disappointed...

First Stop - Canberra Centre Shopping Centre

Koko Black is located on Bunda Street, that runs outside the Canberra Centre shopping centre. This is the "original" chocolate shop in Canberra city, with beautifully-crafted, exquisite chocolates to buy individually or in a gift box. The presentation is impeccable, so they are an ideal gift for a chocolate lover - or as a special gift for yourself. Make sure you stay and enjoy a hot chocolate in the sophisticated café, or pick something off the inspired menu . See here for details. After you've finished, cross the road to Oliver Brown and Via Dolce for more chocolate dessert options!

Haigh's Chocolate shop opened in the Canberra Centre in November 2017, much to the delight of local workers and shoppers - with hundreds of people turning up on opening day. It is located in a new section of the centre called the Lifestyle Shopping Precinct in the Monaro Mall - which is just a short walk through the shopping centre from Koko Black. Haigh's began as a family business in 1915 in Adelaide and now, four generations later, the Canberra store is the 17th store that has been opened around Australia. If you want a sophisticated, chocolate experience, you can't go past either of the first two venues on this tour. See here for details.

Option 1: Heading South

Lindt chocolate shop can be found inside the Canberra Outlet Centre in Fyshwick, a 15 minute drive south of the city. This stop is the perfect excuse to combine two great loves for many - chocolate and shopping! You can't miss the brightly-coloured Lindt corner store, with coloured Lindt balls piled high in each display and special offers at the front. You can buy your favourite Lindt balls by the gram ($7.99 for 100 grams, at the time of writing), or mix and match to have a mixed bag. Whilst there, why not stop for a hot chocolate or milkshake, with a small area to sit and enjoy the chocolaty, creamy goodness. See here for details. If you have a craving for American candy, also check out US Candy Bar in the centre, whilst you are there.

Option 2: Heading North

Indulge Coffee and Chocolate Expo is an event that is held in July each year, so if you can co-ordinate your chocolate tour with the expo, then you have the ultimate choc-o-holic day out in Canberra! At the time of writing, it is held at Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC), which is located 10 minutes north of the city. Walk around and choose between a wide range of local and interstate sellers, with some offering tastings of their chocolate ranges and expo specials. There is also live music, demonstrations, family areas, gourmet delights and more. See here for details of the next event - also check back with it a few weeks before the expo for Early Bird Tickets. You may spot local chocolatiers Jasper and Myrtle (who you can also find at the Capital Region Farmers Market ), It's a Sweet Life and Enigma Fine Chocolates .

Robyn Rowe Chocolates is located within the Canberra Wine District, 30 minutes north of the city. You could easily spend the day in the wine district , sampling wines and stopping in on Robyn Rowe Chocolates for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea! When you visit, you will often meet Robyn herself, so you can ask questions about the range and hear of her passion for creating chocolates. Robyn Rowe Chocolates specialises in creating handmade Belgium chocolates from the finest ingredients from Europe, combined with local walnuts, liqueurs and coffee from the surrounding region. Relax in the rural, scenic café with a few chocolates and a coffee, milkshake or cold drink. This popular chocolatier is open between Thursday to Monday only, see here for details. For a full article on Robyn Rowe Chocolates, see here .

Unfortunately, at the end of the day, it's time to come down from the chocolate overload - but never fear, you can always go back tomorrow!

%%* Other chocolate shops in Canberra include Max Brenner (in Belconnen and Kingston), Bruno's Truffles (Mawson), Hansel and Gretal (Phillip) and The Lolly Shop (Gungahlin). If you are looking for chocolate dessert cafes, see the articles for Top Dessert Cafes in Canberra City , San Churro and Movenpick - Kingston Foreshore .

For a Sweet Tooth Tour of the city, why not book a walking tour with Eat Canberra and take in a minimum of four dessert cafes in two hours!%%