Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory is probably the closest I’ll get to a Willy Wonker style experience. If I could have snuck into the room where they were making the licorice I would have. Sadly I was left on the wrong side of the glass, looking in with the longing only a true licorice lover could experience. I know I’m in the minority with my passion for licorice so it’s lucky it’s called the Junee Licorice AND Chocolate Factory. Not only did this make the rest of my family happy but many others stopping in for a chocolate fix. The best bit, it’s nearly all wheelchair accessible.
JUNEE LICORICE AND CHOCOLATE FACTORY
We visited Junee on a day trip from our holiday base in Wagga Wagga. We started our day at the Junee Roundhouse Railway Museum (review of that to come) and finished our day with a visit to the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory and Gasworks Garage, which is right next door.
The Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory is located at the restored Junee Flour Mill, a historical landmark in the the rural town of Junee in New South Wales. The factory produces a range of certified organic products including their famed licorice.
BJ doesn’t eat lollies (candy) or licorice but he was keen on watching the process of making the chocolate and licorice. Staff came out with some samples which I happily accepted.
Prior to Covid times, visitors could take a guided tour or participate in making a chocolate freckle or rocky road. Hopefully these interactive experiences will return soon.
As well as approving of supervising the production of the sweet treats, BJ also enjoyed the scones on offer in the cafe for afternoon tea. Seating is available inside and outside and there’s a good range of food available on the menu which you can check out online.
The shop is the perfect spot to stock up on an array of treats. I highly recommend the tasting box and the white chocolate covered raspberry licorice. I bought way too much in the shop but in my defence, much of it was for gifts.
ACCESSIBILITY AT THE JUNEE LICORICE & CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Wheelchair access is generally good. We did find we needed to go out and come back in through different doors to ensure step-free access between areas eg the cafe to the shop has a step so if you go outside there is a step-free entrance. Entry to the cafe and viewing of the chocolate and licorice production is via the main entry door (pictured below). Entry to the shop and upper cafe is via another doorway to the left of the entry door pictured below.
There is a large bric-a-brac gift store upstairs which can’t be accessed any other way than via a large staircase. If, like me, you are visiting for the chocolate and licorice, be assured access is good.
Plenty of parking is available on site but no specific accessible parking is marked.
A unisex accessible bathroom is available.
Make sure you say “Hi” to the cute alpacas at the back of the Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory but remember, the sheep are fake! 
GasWorks Garage
The GasWorks Garage sits beside the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory. Precision parking has definitely been undertaken and therefore this isn’t the most accessible place to visit. We did fit through with BJ’s manual wheelchair but it’s tight moving between the cars.
Hubby and BJ both like their cars so we were keen to make it work. It’s only a gold coin donation on entry per person so it’s not a big investment for car enthusiasts.
All the cars have a story and each one was sold and bought in Junee. I particularly loved the story of Jack Hill who in 1990 was told by the RTA instructor he would have a better chance of renewing his driver’s licence in a smaller car. So at the age of 91 Jack purchased a new Ford Laser from Moore Ford, Junee. Clearly nothing was stopping Jack from continuing to drive, certainly not his advanced age!
As I’ve mentioned before, we love the history and stories being preserved in these small rural museums. It’s a wonderful reflection of the Australian spirit and particularly that of country folk!
Along with the cars, there’s a display of lawn mowers from the various eras. Random but no doubt of interest to some.
We had a really lovely visit to Junee and in fact returned for more chocolate on our way through to Young. Our second visit was on a weekend and the licorice wasn’t being made so perhaps check with the factory for information if you’re keen on seeing the production side of the business.
You can read more about a visit to the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory on their website.
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