The charm of Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery hit me the very first time I was driving down Eltham Road and into Christmas Hills – those rolling hills in morning sun, and somehow the smell of handcrafted chocolates just wafts across the place – 40 acres of land and you can’t help feeling like you’re about to stumble into something pretty special. As a bloke like me who’s wandered into plenty of country kitchens and farm gates around Australia, nothing quite got my attention like that first step inside the chocolaterie showroom, wall-to-wall with artisan chocolates and ice cream that looks so good it melts your self-control before you even get to taste it.
This place is a real mix of the magic of childhood and expert craftsmanship. European-trained chocolatiers, a kitchen garden full of locally inspired flavours and the Belgian chocolate just flows like something out of a fairytale – minus all the dodgy occupational hazards of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. And the best part? Unlike some of my other adventures in the Aussie bush, you don’t need to worry about recovery time or dodging any unexpected wildlife – this place is all about pure indulgence.
- FREE Duration: 1–2 Hours (approx.)
- Location: 35 Old Healesville Rd, Yarra Glen, VIC
- Travel Time: 1-hour drive from Melbourne
- Activity Level: Easy / Family-friendly
Planning Your Sweet Adventure
When you’re planning a trip to Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery, you’re in for a real treat. You get to experience small-town hospitality, mixed with the best of Victoria’s handcrafted chocolate. The place was put together by Leanne and Ian Nealand, who wanted to create a spot with country warmth and feel, plus the latest equipment, a beautiful orchard and kitchen garden, and a menu with all the classic favourites plus some seasonal treats.
Whether you’re looking to hit up their 144 or so ice cream and sorbet flavours, try some of those limited edition summer flavours from their summer menu or get in on the action with one of their seasonal events like the Ice Cream Festival, well, the timing of your visit definitely makes a difference.
Finding Your Way And Timing It Right
You’ll find the place just a couple of minutes’ drive from Yarra Glen, perched on top of some rolling hills overlooking Sugarloaf Reservoir and close to some great spots for a photo op, like the Kangaroo Ground Memorial Tower. Perfect if you like your sweet treats with scenic views.
Best Times To Visit:
- early morning: it’s cooler, the showroom is pretty quiet, and the ice cream doesn’t melt the instant you take a lick
- weekdays: it’s much easier to wander the Gourmet Collection or the gourmet truffle range without the crowds
- avoid school holidays unless you’re ready for a bit of chaos in your sweet treats
The Yarra Valley weather can turn on you fast. Like the time a storm rolled in and turned my second visit into a real adventure – one minute I was sipping on a hot chocolate with earl grey notes, the next I was dashing for the car because sideways rain was really putting on a show.
What’s Inside The Chocolaterie?
Step inside the main building and you’re immediately faced with a tasty trio: the chocolate showroom, the ice cream bar, and the all-day café. The air’s thick with the scent of cocoa and freeze-dried strawberries – a combination that’s frankly unbelievable.
The Chocolate Showroom
This is the spot where you’ll find all sorts of goodies:
- European chocolatiers crafting handmade chocolates on the premises
- luxurious chocolate gifts for special occasions
- handcrafted truffles and artisanal chocolates – all made by hand
- seasonal chocolate flavours throughout the year – from Easter’s hot cross bun creations to new trending treats
The Neelands have always put a big emphasis on using sustainably sourced chocolate – and you can taste the difference in every bite.
The Ice Creamery
And then there’s the ice creamery – a real legend in its own right. 144 flavours are rotating through the year, plus a selection of limited edition summer scoops, bush tucker-inspired flavours and classic favourites that return each February for the Ice Cream Festival.
Expect a range of flavours, from freeze-dried strawberry ripple to more adventurous options like Earl Grey ice cream and lemon myrtle. Your taste buds will love you!
The Café
The café just takes it to a whole new level with:
- country-style breakfast options
- pulled pork pizza
- kids’ menu for family-friendly dining
- hot chocolate made with liquid chocolate, not powder
Grab a seat by the windows for some views across Christmas Hills.
Workshops, Seasonal Events, And Experiences
The Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery offers a range of chocolate-making workshops for children and adults, where you can learn how they craft their premium chocolates. They also host seasonal events, including the Ice Cream Festival (which attracts thousands of visitors, especially families) and a variety of summer activities.
They also do:
- corporate events with ice cream
- wedding favours and custom chocolate gifts
- gourmet truffle tastings with locally inspired flavours
And they’re not just about the chocolate – the Chocolaterie is also committed to supporting local charities and initiatives, like The Alannah and Madeline Foundation.
Costs, Opening Hours, And Practical Details
(Information current to February 2026.)
Before diving into the practical bits, it helps to know exactly where this sweet destination sits. The chocolaterie is located at 35 Old Healesville Road, Yarra Glen, Victoria, perched on the edge of Christmas Hills with views stretching across orchards, farmland, and the Sugarloaf Reservoir corridor.
The venue operates every day except Christmas, making it one of the most reliable stops for travellers.
Opening Hours:
9:00 am – 5:00 pm daily (extended hours occasionally apply during seasonal events such as the Ice Cream Festival).
| Feature | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | Free | Donations sometimes support children’s well-being initiatives. |
| Chocolate Workshops | $20–$60 | Prices vary by skill level and theme. |
| Ice Cream Cones | $6–$9 | Cool and creamy, generous scoops. |
| Truffle Boxes | $12–$40 | Part of their Gourmet Collection. |
| Café Meals | $18–$30 | Includes breakfast and lunch options. |
Tourism data: Visit Victoria previously reported that more than 5.7 million domestic day trips occur annually in the Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges region. The chocolaterie consistently ranks among the most visited attractions in Yarra Glen.
Tips For A Smooth (And Sweet) Visit
All visits, whether they’re a blast or a breeze, are better off with a bit of planning. And the Yarra Valley, for all its charm, still needs a bit of TLC to keep things running smoothly.
Avoiding The Crowds And Finding Peace
To avoid the worst of the crowds, try to arrive early or later in the afternoon, when the sun is lower in the sky. Have a wander around the outdoor areas and enjoy some fresh air – take in the views of the chocolate farm plantings, including cocoa trees and tropical varieties displayed in an educational setting. The lawns and gardens provide families with ample space to relax while parents slip out for a hot chocolate or browse the Gourmet Collection.
Pairing With Nearby Yarra Valley Highlights
This place is a great fit for a visit to a chocolaterie. You can get a whole day trip in the Yarra Valley out of it – have lunch, pop into some wineries near Yarra Glen, visit a local orchard, do some Bush Tucker tastings, or take the kids to Healesville Sanctuary before heading back for a scoop of ice cream or a premium chocolate gift.
It’s all pretty close too:
- Yarra Glen to Chocolaterie: 4 minutes (easy peasy)
- Healesville to Chocolaterie: 18 minutes
- Melbourne to Chocolaterie: just over an hour
You can take your time, or at least do so for most of the day. Although if you do have melting chocolate in the car…!
Packing Checklist For Travellers
Not exactly an outback packing list, but not far off either:
- cooler bag (your chocolate friend’s best mate in summer)
- wipe-downs for sticky fingers
- refillable water bottle
- comfy walking shoes
- camera for scenic shots
And if you’re doing a Victoria road trip, don’t forget the travel essentials: spare water, a power bank and a backup map for when the phone decides to go on the fritz.
Keeping Chocolate Happy On The Road
Victorian summers can turn chocolates into a gooey mess in no time, so it’s best to store chocolate in the shade and avoid leaving boxes on the dashboard. If you’re going to be on the road for a while, a cooler bag is your best option. Okay, so melted chocolate still tastes just as great, but it’s lost some of the magic that makes high-end chocolate gifts such a special thing.
