Melbourne is famous for its festivals, celebrations and food, so it’s the perfect place for chocolate lovers. From sipping hot chocolates to tasting artisanal treats, Melbourne has a plethora of festivals, markets and events dedicated to all things chocolate. Whether you’re a local or flying into Melbourne Airport, these chocolate experiences will deliver chocolatey goodness.
In this guide, we’ll take you through Melbourne’s favourite festivals and chocolate events, where you’ll find the best places to indulge in cake decorating and artisanal chocolate tastings. Get ready to hit the streets and markets where chocolate is king!
Hot Chocolate Festival: A Winter Treat
Melbourne’s most popular chocolate event is the HOT CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL, which runs every August at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. This annual favourite is a chocolate lover’s paradise with over 31 hot chocolates to try throughout the month. From classic to quirky, there’s a flavour for every taste bud. This winter warmer has become a must-do for anyone who loves a rich, creamy drink with beautiful views of the Yarra Valley.
As well as sipping warm chocolatey goodness, festival-goers can participate in interactive workshops where chocolatiers will show you how to make hot chocolates and other treats. With so many activities to choose from, this event is suitable for chocolate lovers and culinary experts alike. And with the city skyline and Yarra Valley views to boot, you’ve got yourself a weekend away.
Queen Victoria Market: Chocolate Treats and Authentic Street Food
If you’re searching for a chocolate fix in the heart of Melbourne, the Queen Victoria Market is your go-to destination. This bustling market, beloved for its diversity of offerings, also hosts the European Night Market, where authentic street food and sweet treats come together in a coastal celebration. As you wander the aisles of the market, you’ll find an exciting blend of flavours, from chocolate-dipped fruits to European-style comfort food that will satisfy your chocolate cravings.
The Queen Victoria Market is a year-round destination for culinary experiences, but it truly shines during special events like the European Night Market. Pop-up stalls offer everything from traditional European food to artisan chocolates, while live music and art exhibitions create a festive ambience. Pair your sweet treats with a bottle of wine or craft beer from one of the local vendors to round out your culinary adventure. The market’s festive energy, combined with its range of activities and delightful offerings, makes it a popular festival destination for tourists and locals alike.
The Great Melbourne Chocolate Tour: Get to know the city’s chocolate
Explore the secret chocolate spots of Melbourne with The Great Melbourne Chocolate Tour, a guided tour of the city’s best chocolate haunts. We visit North Melbourne and Port Melbourne where boutique chocolatiers, dessert bars and food trucks are creating the most delicious treats. A must-do for chocolate lovers and a taste of the city’s foodie diversity.
On the tour you will visit iconic locations such as Melbourne Museum where you can explore the exhibits and sample the chocolates and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre where art lovers can indulge in chocolate and street art. We also stop at local markets like the Dandenong Market where you can find a variety of treats from traditional chocolates to chocolate infused dishes.
One of the best parts of the tour is getting to meet the chocolatiers themselves. These passionate makers share their baking tips and secrets to making the perfect chocolate, from tempering to pairing chocolates with craft beer and wine. By the end of the tour, you’ll have a new appreciation for the art of chocolate making and the flavours that make Melbourne’s chocolate scene so unique.
Cake Bake & Sweets Show: Baking and Chocolate
If you love baking, Melbourne’s Cake Bake & Sweets Show is an event you can’t miss. Held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, this is the ultimate event for cake decorating, baking and of course chocolate. The event features world renowned bakers and chocolatiers demonstrating and teaching through live demonstrations and workshops.
The Cake Bake & Sweets Show is a haven for both amateur and professional bakers, with a wide range of products and supplies to feed your passion. One of the highlights of the show is the Cake Craft competitions, where talented bakers compete in categories like cake design and cake decorating. The results are a treat for the taste buds and a feast for the eyes as the competition showcases intricate designs, delicious flavours and creative use of chocolate.
Want to learn some new skills? The interactive workshops offer hands on experiences from making perfect chocolate truffles to tempering. Whether you want to get advice from the pros or just indulge in the treats the Cake Bake & Sweets Show has something for every chocolate lover.
Dandenong Market: A Chocolate Lovers Paradise
The Dandenong Market is a festival of Melbourne’s multiculturalism and a secret gem for foodies looking for something different. Amongst all the offerings the market has gained a reputation for its unique food experiences and its chocolate. Handmade chocolates to chocolate filled pastries the market is a chocolate lovers dream.
What sets Dandenong Market apart is its authentic street food stalls where you can try chocolate filled crepes to chocolate dishes from around the world. The market also has various cultural events and pop up experiences throughout the year making it the perfect place for chocolate lovers to get lost in Melbourne’s food scene.
If you want to go beyond the norm for chocolate, the Dandenong Market is a must-stop. And with the City Circle Tram nearby, you can make a day of it, hop from market to market, and see Melbourne’s best sights, sounds, and flavours.
Akoonah Park and Phillip Island Chocolate Factory: Fun for All Ages
If you’re looking for family-friendly activities that combine chocolate with adventure, the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory and the Chocolate & Coffee Expo at Akoonah Park should be on your list. Both destinations offer chocolate and interactive experiences for adults and kids. The Chocolate & Coffee Expo is an annual event that brings together local coffee roasters and chocolatiers for a weekend of indulgence. From comfort food to chocolate sculpting demonstrations, there’s something for everyone.
At the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory, you can learn how chocolate is made, try your hand at making your own chocolate and enjoy the huge range of chocolate products. The factory also has fun interactive displays, making it a great destination for families to learn about chocolate in a relaxed environment.
Both Akoonah Park and Phillip Island are only a short drive from CBD so it’s the perfect Melbourne tour for chocolate lovers. With chocolate and views it’s a win win.
Why You Can’t-Miss Melbourne’s Chocolate Festivals and Events
Melbourne’s chocolate festivals and events are more than just an excuse to eat chocolate – they’re a celebration of the city’s diversity, artistic vibe and love of food. Whether you’re at the Hot Chocolate Factory in the Yarra Valley, the Queen Victoria Market or Lardner Park, you’ll find a world of experiences beyond just taste.
From chocolate beer to live music at the Castlemaine Jazz Festival, there’s something for every kind of traveller. The mix of Melbourne’s art galleries, concert halls, and street art, along with its festival scene, is the perfect excuse to get around the city and try the chocolate.
FAQ
What chocolate festivals are in Melbourne?
The Hot Chocolate Festival, Chocolate & Coffee Expo and Cake Bake & Sweets Show are some of the best. Each offers tastings, workshops and events for chocolate lovers.
Are these events family-friendly?
Yes, many of Melbourne’s chocolate events are family friendly. The Phillip Island Chocolate Factory and Dandenong Market have activities for kids so are great for a day out.
Where can I taste chocolate near popular spots in Melbourne?
The Queen Victoria Market is for street food and artisanal chocolate, and the Great Melbourne Chocolate Tour goes past Melbourne Museum and Port Melbourne.
When is the best time to visit Melbourne for chocolate festivals?
Melbourne’s chocolate festivals are throughout the year but the Hot Chocolate Festival is in August and the Cake Bake & Sweets Show is in spring.
Are there vegan/allergy-friendly options?
Some chocolate festivals like the Craft Chocolate Fair have options for different dietary requirements including vegan and gluten free. Check with individual vendors.
