Attn: Chocoholics - this is for you!
If you are a chocoholic Stay in the Bush has your cravings covered. Read on to discover four different destinations around New South Wales to add to your holiday wish list. From Junee in the South to Coffs Harbour in the North - hit the road these school holidays for your fix. (Side-note: Coffs isn’t really bush, more beach really, but if you’re headed up the Pacific Highway be sure to stop off at Junee’s newest venture!)
Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory
A Buy From The Bush OG - we’ve known how good Junee is for half a decade now. Just half an hour down the road from Wagga, Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory is a must visit. The Hamilton family will welcome you for tastings, tours and more.
Start with a house made hot chocolate (we’re talking melted milk, dark or white chocolate mixed with warm milk….heaven) before heading off on a behind the scenes tour. Finish up at the gift shop and stock up on licorice, freckles, choc covered almonds and chocolate pizzas.
Sleeps 2, 1 Bedroom - 30 mins from Wagga, 2.5 hours from Canberra
Stay close by at the Silos
The Silos is off-grid perfection (EV charger and all). This 1960’s Lysaght grain silo - lovingly transformed into a secluded couples’ retreat - is set on a 6th generation working farm. Enjoy views of the Eurongilly Valley from the hot tub or fire up the outdoor fire pit and take in the stars. During the day, meander along a farm trail or book a 'meet the farmer' tour. This stay is all-inclusive with guests being treated to the very best Riverina produce. (And….it is only 10 minutes from Junee so a visit to the Factory is easy peasy.)
2. Murrumbateman Chocolate Co.
BFTB Bestie Regional PR Co. recently went on assignment to road test Murrumbateman, stay at DeVine 2582 and try her hand at chocolate making.
In her words not ours - “Murrumbateman has been hiding in plain sight! Stopped in for the first time (instead of blasting down the Hume) and can honestly it was a revelation”…so add Murrumbateman and Murrumbateman Chocolate Co. to your itinerary and book in for the Chocolate Bar Workshop. You’ll have pressies for all the family sorted if the bars make it home.
Sleeps 8, 2 Bedrooms - less than an hour from Canberra
Stay close by at DeVine 2582
DeVine 2582 is super-minimalist, ultra-chic and conveniently located to explore all that Murrumbateman has to offer. There are a couple of fantastic vineyards literally at the end of the road, a chocoholics heaven nearby and great little cafes and boutiques to explore.
Either stay with your beau or bring the family and take over the whole property. DeVine can sleep up to 8 with big king beds and a couple of super comfy Ecosa sofa beds.
3. Spencer Cocoa - Mudgee
Beans from Vanuatu brought to Mudgee and turned into deliciousness. Luke Spencer namesake of Spencer Cocoa kicked off making chocolate back in 2013.
Spencer Cocoa is open this Spring for tastings, sales and booked experiences including Meet the Chocolate Maker - where you will be able to discover how the chocolate bars are made with founder, chocolate maker and agronomist Luke Spencer.
Open Thursday to Saturday 10am - 3pm.
Suites and Rooms sleep between one to five people - 3 1/2 hours to Sydney
Stay close by at The Clairfield Hotel
Clairfield Hotel looks like heaven in Mudgee. Stunning rooms with a gourmet restaurant and Jila Wellness onsite. A little slice of the city in the country.
What you can look forward to...
A dip in the pool. Back to the room for a delicious shower. Dinner at Gigis and then a beautiful sleep in the comfiest of beds.
There is so much to explore in Mudgee it is difficult to know where to begin, however, we think start with breakfast at Alby & Esters, and then explore the gorgeous downtown streets. Here you will find awesome little boutiques like Edited & Co and Cedar Cicada. Drag yourself away before you do too much retail therapy to one of the many wineries or restaurants (e.g. The Blue Wren) for lunch before popping into the local art gallery - the Mudgee Arts Precinct in the afternoon - Andy Warhol will be on show later in the year!
4. If you’re going to the beach….
The Big Banana is last stop. Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory is opening here in September. So if a holiday road trip takes you north on the Pacific Highway from Sydney do not ignore the kids demands to stop. You’ll be able to enjoy a little slice of the bush here at the beach!