The Lolly Shop

The Lolly Shop is a celebrated confectionery destination in the heart of Gold Creek at Federation Square, Shop 13/18 O'Hanlon Place, Nicholls, Australian Capital Territory. As a specialty dessert shop, it has become the sweet epicentre of the Canberra region, drawing families, tourists, and dedicated candy enthusiasts through its doors seven days a week. The moment you step inside, you are immersed in a kaleidoscope of colour, texture, and aroma, where shelves climb from floor to ceiling laden with jars and packets of sweets sourced from Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and across Europe. With a stellar 4.5-star rating from 190 Google reviews, this shop has earned its reputation not only for an unparalleled product range but also for the warmth and expertise of its service, making every visit a memorable experience.

A trip to The Lolly Shop begins as a simple quest for a sugar fix but quickly transforms into a full-scale sensory adventure. The store carries everything from nostalgic childhood favourites that evoke fond memories to rare international imports that surprise and delight even the most seasoned sweet tooth. Hard-boiled lollies glisten in their jars, Dutch licorice offers bold and authentic European flavours, and American candy bars line the shelves alongside British chocolates and gummies. Novelty items and kids' treats, complete with whimsical packaging and interactive elements, add an extra layer of fun. Whether you are hunting for a specific beloved sweet from your past or are eager to explore new global confectionery trends, the team is passionate about guiding you to exactly the right treat. The founder and owner, Shelly, is frequently praised in customer feedback for her deep product knowledge and her genuine, friendly approach to helping every person who walks in find something special.

Our Product Range

The Lolly Shop takes immense pride in curating one of the most diverse and comprehensive ranges of confectionery available in the Australian Capital Territory. The selection is thoughtfully organised to cater to every palate, age group, and dietary preference, ensuring that no one leaves empty-handed. Walking through the store, you encounter a global map of sweetness, with each section offering a distinct personality and flavour profile. The emphasis is always on quality and variety, with new shipments arriving regularly to keep the selection dynamic and exciting.

Australia is well represented with classic brands and artisan producers, but the true breadth of the range becomes apparent when you explore the international aisles. The USA candy section is a powerhouse of bold flavours, featuring iconic bars, sour strips, and limited-edition releases that are otherwise hard to find in Canberra. UK sweets bring a touch of British charm with boiled sweets, toffees, chocolates, and biscuits that appeal to expats and Anglophiles alike. European offerings extend beyond Dutch licorice to include creamy Swiss chocolate, German gummies, and Scandinavian salty treats. For those who enjoy interactive snacking, kids' novelties such as candy sprays, popping powders, and character-themed sets provide a playful experience.

• Classic Hard-Boiled Lollies: A rainbow selection of traditional boiled sweets, fruit drops, and bonbons that hark back to old-fashioned candy stores.
• Dutch Licorice: An extensive array of sweet, salty, honey, and double-salt licorice for a true taste of the Netherlands.
• American Candy Bars & Sours: Sought-after brands, peanut butter and chocolate combinations, extreme sour strips, and chewy fruit candies.
• UK Chocolates & Sweets: Authentic Cadbury varieties, Rowntree's fruit pastilles, wine gums, Maltesers, and more.
• Kids' Novelties: Candy sprays, bubblegum tubes, puzzle candies, and interactive lollipops that make sweets an experience.
• Chocolate Blocks & Gift Boxes: Premium Australian and imported chocolate for personal indulgence or thoughtful gifting.
• Dietary-Specific Treats: A significant shelf of gluten-free lollies, plus options free from gelatine, nuts, or artificial colours, clearly labelled for easy browsing.

Services We Provide

Beyond its role as a retail space, The Lolly Shop has evolved into a full-service confectionery hub designed to accommodate the varied needs of its community. The store offers multiple ways to shop and engage, ensuring that whether you are pressed for time, planning a significant event, or simply enjoying a leisurely browse, you will find a service tailored to your situation. The friendly staff are always on hand to explain each service and make personalised recommendations.

The core shopping experience remains the in-store visit, where the sights and smells create an irreplaceable atmosphere. For customers in a hurry or those who prefer a contactless option, the click-and-collect service, known as in-store pickup, streamlines the process without sacrificing the joy of selecting from the full range. Should you require something specific that is not currently on the shelf, the team is well-connected with suppliers and is happy to arrange special orders. These services, combined with the hands-on advice from Shelly and her staff, create a customer-focused model that keeps people returning from all over the Canberra region.

• In-Store Shopping: Immerse yourself in the vibrant, aromatic atmosphere and browse the full collection at your own pace.
• In-Store Pickup (Kerbside / Click & Collect): Order ahead by phone or via the website and have your selection packaged and ready for a swift collection.
• Gift and Party Enquiries: Custom lolly buffets, party favours, and corporate gift boxes can be arranged by speaking directly with the staff.
• Special Orders: If you are searching for a rare import or a specific dietary product, the team will do their best to source it for you.
• Personalised Recommendations: Shelly and her staff offer one-on-one guidance to help you discover new favourites or find the perfect gift.

Why Visit The Lolly Shop

Choosing The Lolly Shop over a generic supermarket or online retailer brings a set of advantages that are immediately tangible. First and foremost is the human element. In an age of faceless transactions, a visit here connects you with Shelly and her knowledgeable team, who take genuine delight in matching customers with the sweets that will brighten their day. This personal touch transforms a simple errand into a meaningful outing, and it is a recurring theme in the glowing reviews left by patrons who appreciate the care and attention they receive.

Beyond the service, the sheer scope of the inventory is a powerful draw. The shop consolidates what would otherwise require visiting multiple specialty import stores or websites into one colourful, well-organised space. Whether you need gluten-free lollies for a child with dietary restrictions, authentic American cereal bars, Dutch licorice for a homesick friend, or just a generous bag of mixed favourites, you will find them all here. The location in Gold Creek adds another compelling layer. Nestled among other attractions, galleries, and family-friendly destinations, a stop at The Lolly Shop becomes a highlight of a day spent exploring the precinct.

• Shelly's Expertise: The owner's deep knowledge of confectionery trends and sourcing means every visit comes with the opportunity to learn and discover something new.
• Extensive Dietary Options: A well-stocked and clearly marked selection of gluten-free, gelatine-free, and nut-free lollies makes the shop inclusive for many who typically struggle to find safe treats.
• Global Selection Under One Roof: Experience the best of Australian, American, British, and European confectionery without ever leaving Canberra.
• Nostalgic and New: The range beautifully balances comforting childhood favourites with the latest candy crazes and hard-to-find imports.
• Community Atmosphere: A warm, family-friendly environment where conversation and laughter are as common as the clink of lolly scoops.

Location and Surroundings

Finding The Lolly Shop is a straightforward and pleasant journey, as it sits prominently within Federation Square in the Gold Creek precinct of Nicholls. The full address is Shop 13/18 O'Hanlon Place, Nicholls ACT 2913. Gold Creek is renowned as a tourist and leisure destination, featuring attractions such as the National Dinosaur Museum, Cockington Green Gardens, and the Canberra Reptile Zoo, making the area a full-day destination for families. The Lolly Shop serves as the sweet finale or the highly anticipated starting point of any Gold Creek adventure, and its convenient position within the square means ample parking and easy pedestrian access.

The shop's integration into this vibrant community enhances its appeal as a destination rather than a mere quick stop. After exploring the museums and miniature villages, visitors can stroll into Federation Square, enjoy the al-fresco atmosphere, and treat themselves to a custom bag of sweets. The Gold Creek area is well-serviced by roads from the Canberra city centre and Belconnen, making it a comfortable drive of approximately fifteen to twenty minutes from the main business districts. For those relying on public transport, bus routes serve the Nicholls area, with stops within walking distance of the square.

Operating Hours and Contact

The Lolly Shop aims to be as accessible as possible, opening every day to accommodate both planned visits and spontaneous cravings. The standard hours are from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though the shop describes itself as open until "5pm (ish)," reflecting the warm, flexible, and human-centred approach of the business. Customers who wish to drop by after 5:00 PM are encouraged to call ahead, as the team is often still on the premises preparing orders, restocking the shelves, or developing new confectionery ideas. This level of personal accommodation is rarely found and speaks to the shop's dedication to customer satisfaction.

Getting in touch is simple. The direct shop phone number is +61 2 6230 2300, and the staff are always happy to answer product queries, take orders, or assist with arranging a late visit. The business also maintains an informative and welcoming website at lovethelollyshop.com.au, which offers a glimpse into the product lines and can be used to initiate orders. For email correspondence, the team can be reached at hello@lovethelollyshop.com.au. The Lolly Shop is also active on social media, fostering its community through TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram under the handle @lovethelollyshop, where followers can see new arrivals, behind-the-scenes content, and special announcements.

What Our Customers Say

The voice of the customer is the strongest endorsement any business can receive, and for The Lolly Shop, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive. The shop holds a 4.5-star rating based on 190 Google reviews, a remarkable score that is consistently supported by written testimonials praising the atmosphere, variety, and standout service. One reviewer, Sumaya Sherina Zaman, a Local Guide, declares that The Lolly Shop is by far the best sweet shop in Canberra, specifically highlighting Shelly as the best shop owner in town who knows her sweets inside out and is always ready to help you find exactly the right thing.

Another long-standing review from Local Guide Jaala Kellam emphasizes the enormous selection of lollies, chocolates, and candies at the Gold Creek location, also noting the commendable range of gluten-free products. The review does caution that the shop can become quite full and narrow, which can make manoeuvring tricky, but this detail only underscores the shop's popularity and the density of treasures packed into the space. Michael Engemann, another Local Guide, expresses sheer delight at the "wonderful selection," with a personal shout-out to the mega-sour variety. Across all feedback, certain themes dominate: the shop's unparalleled variety, Shelly's exceptional and personal service, and the joyful, nostalgic atmosphere that makes every visit feel special.