We departed Temora with our sights set on Junee North, New South Wales, a town known for two things: its historic roundhouse railway workshop (which we will save for another time) and its chocolate. More specifically, Junee's famous chocolate factory.
The entrance to the factory grounds is something of a visual treat in itself. The old brick building, partially obscured by lush greenery, gives the impression of entering a whimsical, slightly overgrown estate. The STOP sign felt almost apologetic amidst the charming landscaping.
The grounds are filled with quirky displays.
A concrete pig, appearing quite content, leaning over a wooden fence, keeps watch over a small seating area. We suspect he's had his snout in the chocolate stash one too many times. The rustic décor, complete with stacked firewood and hanging pots, adds to the overall relaxed atmosphere. One could easily spend a pleasant afternoon just wandering the gardens.
Of course, the main attraction is the chocolate itself.
The interior of the factory shop is as charming as the exterior. The walls are lined with shelves groaning under the weight of chocolate treats in every conceivable form. From bags of bite-sized pieces to elaborately packaged gift boxes, there is something to tempt every palate (and every budget).
After carefully selecting a few (or perhaps more than a few) items to sample later, we took a moment to enjoy the outdoor seating area.
The courtyard, with its mix of weathered stone, climbing vines, and mismatched furniture, felt like a secret garden. The perfect spot to contemplate our next adventure, or perhaps just the merits of dark versus milk chocolate.
