Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory

Step through the doors of the Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory and leave the ordinary behind. Housed in a beautifully restored five-storey flour mill built in 1935, the factory stands as a testament to big dreams and bold flavours in the heart of the Riverina region. The aroma of organic licorice and handcrafted chocolate fills the air, mingling with the scent of freshly baked goods from the on-site cafe. It is a destination that delights all the senses, where visitors can watch confectionery artisans at work, sample celebrated organic treats, or even get hands-on creating their own giant chocolate freckle. Recognised as one of Australia’s most impressive confectionery experiences, this family-owned business seamlessly blends a rich agricultural heritage with an unwavering commitment to certified organic ingredients.

Our story begins not in a laboratory but on a 3000-acre organic farm in Ardlethan, where pioneer Alan Druce first converted his property to organic practices in 1962. His son Neil carried that philosophy forward, and a broken flour mill led him to an abandoned mill in Junee. That discovery ignited a vision far greater than milling grain. The historic building was methodically transformed, and by 2001 a dedicated licorice factory was producing organic licorice using the original flour connection. Chocolate manufacturing followed in 2003, cementing the site as a must-visit attraction. Today, a team of over sixty locals pours their passion into every batch, crafting products sold across Australia and internationally, all while honouring the sustainable roots planted generations ago.

Services and Confectionery Craftsmanship

The heart of the operation beats five days a week as the production team creates organic licorice and chocolate in the working factory. Visitors can witness the magic firsthand through interactive guided tours that explain the entire process, from organic raw materials to the finished twist of licorice or the snap of a perfectly tempered chocolate bar. For those wanting more than observation, hands-on chocolate experiences invite both the young and the young at heart to become chocolatiers themselves, dipping and decorating generous freckles to take home. The newly opened store at the Big Banana Fun Park in Coffs Harbour extends the sweetness even further, offering the full range of favourites in a vibrant coastal setting.

The retail space is a treasure trove of indulgence. Shoppers find iconic products ranging from bold Organic Black Licorice to innovative combinations like Organic Triple Chocolate Licorice and the zesty tang of Organic Dark Chocolate Ginger. The range extends to gift-ready hampers, elegantly curated specialty chocolate boxes, and classic mixed chocolate boxes ideal for sharing. Grain lovers can savour the nutty depth of Organic Spelt Licorice, while fruit enthusiasts gravitate toward the bright burst of Organic Milk Chocolate Strawberries or the sophisticated balance of Organic White Chocolate Raspberry Licorice. An online shop ensures that even those far from Junee or Coffs Harbour can enjoy free shipping on orders over $150, making the farm-fresh confections accessible nationwide.

The Mill Room Cafe and Culinary Delights

Dining at the factory is an experience in itself. The Mill Room Cafe offers a menu of country-inspired dishes designed to complement the sweet confections. Guests can choose to sit indoors surrounded by local art and historic Oregon timber ceilings, or outdoors in a provincial-style garden courtyard. The outdoor space features a crackling wood-fired pizza oven, aromatic herb gardens, and overarching grapevines that create a relaxed, European atmosphere. Special themed evenings add excitement to the culinary calendar, with events like Tapas Night, Pasta Night, and World Whisky Day celebrations that showcase local distilleries alongside a curated menu of dishes infused with regional whiskies and the finest local produce.

Why Choose Our Organic Confectionery

Choosing Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory means supporting a business built on generations of organic commitment. The ingredients start life on the family farm, where no synthetic pesticides or fertilisers are used, ensuring a pure and unadulterated taste. This dedication to organic farming not only produces superior flavours—richer, deeper, and more authentic—but also protects the soil and wider environment of rural New South Wales. From the blackstrap molasses in the licorice to the cocoa butter in the chocolate, every component is selected with care for quality and sustainability.

Beyond the ingredients, the factory provides traceability and transparency rarely found in mass-market confectionery. Visitors can watch the complete journey from flour to finished sweet, ask questions on guided tours, and meet the passionate team. The business reinvests in the local community, employing over sixty people in Junee and offering hands-on career development through roles in confectionery manufacturing, hospitality, and retail. By purchasing a box of Organic Dark Chocolate Licorice or a bag of Organic Raspberry Licorice, customers are directly preserving a historic landmark, supporting regional employment, and championing earth-friendly farming practices that have spanned three generations.

Our Commitment to Heritage and Innovation

The factory building itself is a character in the story. The 1935 mill stands as a monument to regional industrial history, with its towering silos and sturdy Oregon beams now repurposed into a warm, inviting space for creation and celebration. The restoration honoured the original architectural details while integrating modern confectionery equipment capable of producing extraordinary textures and flavour profiles. Guided tours often highlight the mill relics alongside current manufacturing, giving a palpable sense of the journey from grain to gourmet chocolate.

Innovation remains a constant. While deeply rooted in traditional organic methods, the team regularly develops new products and limited-edition items. Seasonal selections, specialty chocolate blocks using single-origin cocoa, and cross-category experiments keep the offering fresh. Recent expansions like the Coffs Harbour shop demonstrate a careful, authentic growth that brings the same country chocolatier philosophy to new audiences without diluting quality. The team also regularly engages with customers through events at the mill and on social media, fostering a community of sweet-toothed supporters who share the passion for real, honest confectionery.

Location and Visitor Essentials

Find us at the Licorice Factory, 45-61 Lord Street, Junee NSW 2663. Our location in the picturesque Riverina is easily accessible by road and makes an ideal stop for travellers exploring regional New South Wales. Ample parking is available on-site for cars, caravans, and coaches. A second retail outlet operates at the Big Banana Fun Park in Coffs Harbour, bringing our organic delights to the coast. For inquiries, contact the friendly team at +61 2 6924 3574 or via email at info@jlcf.com.au. The website, www.juneelicoriceandchocolate.com, provides the full online shop, tour bookings, cafe reservations, and event tickets.

The facility is designed to be a full day out. Wheelchair-accessible paths connect the cafe, factory viewing areas, retail space, and gardens. Family-friendly facilities include clean restrooms and a relaxed atmosphere where children can safely explore the freckle-making station. For those planning a special celebration, private functions and group bookings are welcomed, with tailored packages that might include a tour, freckle decorating, and a meal in the Mill Room Cafe. Bringing the dog? The outdoor courtyard is pet-friendly, provided furry friends remain leashed.

Guided tours run daily and take visitors behind the scenes to understand organic confectionery manufacturing. Bookings are recommended, especially during school holidays and weekends, as sessions fill quickly. The factory also hosts a full calendar of events—from live music in the gardens to themed dinner nights that sell out fast. Check the website’s events page for upcoming dates and to secure your spot.

Hours of Operation

The factory is open 7 days a week from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, every day except Anzac Day. These consistent hours allow visitors to plan a morning tour, enjoy lunch at the cafe, and still have time to browse the shop and create a chocolate freckle. The production team typically operates during weekdays, offering the best chance to see confectionery being made from scratch. To confirm tour times, cafe availability, or any exceptional closures, calling ahead is always wise.