Charley's Chocolate Factory
Charley's Chocolate Factory
Charley's Chocolate Factory
4.5
About
At Charley's is a you'll experience chocolate from cocoa tree to chocolate bar. Learn about the history of the food of the gods. See cocoa trees growing in the plantation, spot the orchid like flowers and see pods ripening. The 13 stages from harvest to chocolate bar are demonstrated with lots of tastings (of course) Lunch is included. If you like chocolate you have to do this tour!
Duration: 2-3 hours
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4.5
292 reviews
Excellent
217
Very good
52
Average
8
Poor
4
Terrible
11
Missy M
Melbourne, Australia165 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
I had read about Charleys Chocolate Factory & I thought we would stop on our way through to Mission Beach, have a look (however we did not do the tour - not sure if it was even running) and buy some chocolate. Just as an FYI to those who read this the road up to the chocolate shop is on a bit of a hill and is all gravel, rocks and quite bumpy, especially if you have a smallish, low car, so drive carefully. If you have an SUV or 4WD you will be fine.
Once I got to the top I was sort of taken back only to find a small coolroom type room (but it wasnt a coolroom) not sure what you would call it. But it was called a 'shop' again Im not sure I would have even called it a shop either. As it was literally a square room with 4 walls a small display of Charleys Chocolate and a register.
The lady was very nice & friendly, she also offered us a couple of samples. I did walk away a little confused but with a few blocks of chocolates as well. I would still recommend people in checking it out just dont expect it to be a shop shop! Enjoy!!
Once I got to the top I was sort of taken back only to find a small coolroom type room (but it wasnt a coolroom) not sure what you would call it. But it was called a 'shop' again Im not sure I would have even called it a shop either. As it was literally a square room with 4 walls a small display of Charleys Chocolate and a register.
The lady was very nice & friendly, she also offered us a couple of samples. I did walk away a little confused but with a few blocks of chocolates as well. I would still recommend people in checking it out just dont expect it to be a shop shop! Enjoy!!
Written 3 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mynd W
Hamilton Island, Australia31 contributions
July 2024 • Family
NOT a tour! A short walk to some Cocoa trees and back then looking at two cabins with equipment inside. Rest of the time was a video/ speech and small demonstration. Very small sample tasting included.
Not worth the admission price money.
All geared up to make way to the shop for purchasing products afterwards.
Misleading word of 'Tour' in my opinion.
Also, lame excuse how the word 'Charley' has nothing to do with the 'Charlie Chocolate Factory'
Owner must think we are idiots and believe him. Obviously a strategic marketing decision LOL!
Overall, cannot recommend this "Tour" to anyone. I would be embarrassed to get feedback, if I did.
Recommendation:-
Some refreshments on arrival, such as a complimentary Cocoa drink would be nice, going forward with your "tour".
Not worth the admission price money.
All geared up to make way to the shop for purchasing products afterwards.
Misleading word of 'Tour' in my opinion.
Also, lame excuse how the word 'Charley' has nothing to do with the 'Charlie Chocolate Factory'
Owner must think we are idiots and believe him. Obviously a strategic marketing decision LOL!
Overall, cannot recommend this "Tour" to anyone. I would be embarrassed to get feedback, if I did.
Recommendation:-
Some refreshments on arrival, such as a complimentary Cocoa drink would be nice, going forward with your "tour".
Written 31 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AndyWhetstone
Greater London, UK57 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
This was a very interesting tour of a cocoa plantation. It told the story of one guy who worked out when and where to grow the beans. At Charley’s they also process the beans into chocolate bars.
The tour also involved chocolate tasting which was great.
The guy who did the tour was the creator of the plantation. He was accompanied by a lady.
He didn’t seem to enjoy doing the tour.
He wasn’t particularly friendly and didn’t seem to enjoy doing it.
The tour also involved chocolate tasting which was great.
The guy who did the tour was the creator of the plantation. He was accompanied by a lady.
He didn’t seem to enjoy doing the tour.
He wasn’t particularly friendly and didn’t seem to enjoy doing it.
Written 21 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jon-H-2405
Canberra, Australia21 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
Drove out to this place to find it was closed on a Saturday.
Apparently it's not a shop, just a factory 🙄
Good luck working out when it's open as the closed sign on the 'gate' refers to the sign on the road for opening hours. No opening hours noted on that sign (see pictures) only tour days of Thursday and Sundays.
I am guessing they work on tour companies rather than drop ins.
Their website has a "book a tour" tab but it gets covered by a subscription pop up banner that won't move. As such, I still can't work out how to find out when it's open.
After all that, I reckon it's cheaper and easier to go to the supermarket for some Cadburys 🤣
Apparently it's not a shop, just a factory 🙄
Good luck working out when it's open as the closed sign on the 'gate' refers to the sign on the road for opening hours. No opening hours noted on that sign (see pictures) only tour days of Thursday and Sundays.
I am guessing they work on tour companies rather than drop ins.
Their website has a "book a tour" tab but it gets covered by a subscription pop up banner that won't move. As such, I still can't work out how to find out when it's open.
After all that, I reckon it's cheaper and easier to go to the supermarket for some Cadburys 🤣
Written 3 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Coachfos
Townsville, Australia101 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Awesome tour of tree to bar Chocolate making family business. Great and educational for all. Allow 2.5hrs only Thursday and Sunday only from 10:30am to 1pm. Chocolate tastings is awesome and well done. Worth the stop in and visit.
Written 28 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the review, we appreciate yo taking the time.
Written 22 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Saminda E
Grafton, Australia157 contributions
Sept 2022
We found the tour quite informative and interesting although it can get a bit boring for little kids. We were provided with colouring and a quiz for the kids to do which is great but our almost 4 year old son still got bored.
I think the layout for the tour was good, we first got an introduction to the history of chocolate and what's involved in the process, we then got to see the small trees and the crop of cocoa trees and then we got to taste test the chocolate. The chocolate is yummy but majority is dark chocolate so not the best for kids. You get an explanation of each of the chocolates when tasting which allows a little break in between trying them all.
You then get some beautiful ice cream at the end and a chance to purchase some of the chocolates and other items.
I would recommend only visiting this place if you are going on a booked tour.
Tip: Take insect repellent. March Flies are terrible.
I think the layout for the tour was good, we first got an introduction to the history of chocolate and what's involved in the process, we then got to see the small trees and the crop of cocoa trees and then we got to taste test the chocolate. The chocolate is yummy but majority is dark chocolate so not the best for kids. You get an explanation of each of the chocolates when tasting which allows a little break in between trying them all.
You then get some beautiful ice cream at the end and a chance to purchase some of the chocolates and other items.
I would recommend only visiting this place if you are going on a booked tour.
Tip: Take insect repellent. March Flies are terrible.
Written 16 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lisally2017
Port Douglas, Australia61 contributions
I treated my chocoholic husband to this tour and it didn’t disappoint. It was run by a wonderful enterprising couple who have planted every cocoa plant themselves, and are hands on in every aspect of this fascinating business, from picking pods to making world class chocolate. Their energy and enthusiasm for chocolate is second to none, and the tour and tasting was fun, informative and captivating. A fabulous morning and the only difficult question is which chocolate to eat first of the many bars we purchased! Davidson plum, pineapple, macadamia nut or milk??
Written 28 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the lovely review. Much appreciated and you ended up buying some of our most popular bars
Written 27 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tracey G
Cairns, Australia15 contributions
Oct 2018 • Family
I visited Charleys chocolate factory on the weekend with my 14 yo son. Chris and Lynne were amazing hosts. We learnt all about the history of chocolate and learnt about their tree to bar operations. The chocolate was amazing!! Highly recommended to eat and to visit!
Written 21 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for a lovely review. We really very much appreciate it and it was a pleasure to have you here.
Written 12 November 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Carol G
27 contributions
Jan 2018 • Couples
I was so keen to visit this interesting change from beaches with stingers or adventure outings...but be aware they are only open 2 days per week in the hotter months.Not too far from Mission Beach and a burger lunch is part of the deal.??if there is a next time we will go.
Written 14 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are sorry to disappoint you on your recent visit to Mission Beach. As a working farm we are only able to open two days a week for most of the year but extend this to three days from May to October to try and accommodate more visitors. These details can be found in our brochures at Visitor Information Centres, on our web site and also on a A board next to our driveway.
Apart from the tour itself, chocolate tastings and a hamburger lunch sourced from local beef are included in the tour price.
Hope that helps and hope that you can come along to a tour should you be back in Mission Beach in the future.
Written 14 January 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Louise Tama
Home Hill, Australia174 contributions
I love the concept of what they are doing! Since I am transitioning to being a vegetarian finding a relatively local chocolate company is a dream as I love chocolate! It is more expensive than the supermarket but I’m happy to pay that :)
For one: you know where it’s made, you know exactly what’s in it & your supporting an Australian company! They have awards for their chocolate & good on them! I’ll support them all the way!
P.S The tour can be a little long for kids but they do actively involve them in the tour with colouring books & opportunities to have a turn at the processes involved in making the chocolate :)
For one: you know where it’s made, you know exactly what’s in it & your supporting an Australian company! They have awards for their chocolate & good on them! I’ll support them all the way!
P.S The tour can be a little long for kids but they do actively involve them in the tour with colouring books & opportunities to have a turn at the processes involved in making the chocolate :)
Written 7 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your comments and support. It's fantastic for us when guests like yourself, "get" what we are trying to do.
Written 9 January 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hello. We are planning to visit mission beach next week. What days will you be open for tours? And would you have fresh cocoa pods at this time of the year? Thanks!
Written 13 August 2019
beanie17092018
Greater Melbourne, Australia
Hi there, my family are coming to check u out in May on our holiday to Mission. My question is,
“Is the chocolate more of an adult taste? Is there milk chocolate and chocolate for kids?”
Thanku and looking forward to seeing you all.
😎
Written 16 April 2018
At the moment all of our chocolate is dark and 70% cocoa. having said that there are two that kids seem to like as they are quite soft in flavour. We do not specifically make chocolates for kids at this stage. Hope that helps.
We look forward to seeing you in May.
Written 18 April 2018
tvanderburgh
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Do I've to make a reservation and where?
Written 5 February 2017
Chris J
Mission Beach, Australia
Yes you do you can do so by calling 07 4068 5011 or online at charleys.
Written 5 February 2017
tvanderburgh
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Hello, we want to visit the factory in August. Is there every day a tour?
Thx
Written 3 February 2017
Chris J
Mission Beach, Australia
Tours will be on Thursday Friday and Sunday in August
Written 4 February 2017
Hi, is there a vegetarian option for the lunch that is included with the tour, does anyone know what it is? Thanks for any help
Written 2 March 2016
Chris J
Mission Beach, Australia
Yes there is a vegetarian and/or gluten free option but this must be requested at time of booking to ensure availablity.
Vegetarian is burger with veg patty instead of meat. GF is GF bread instead of normal roll and GF meat patty of GF veg patty.
Hope this helps
Chris
Written 2 March 2016
Hi, we would like to visit on Thursday 14 July 2016, is this the only day of that week you will be open for a tour?
Written 2 March 2016
Chris J
Mission Beach, Australia
Hi, thanks for your interest. We will most likely also be running the next day (Friday same time etc), but this is subject to demand at the time. Hope this helps.
Regards Chris
Written 2 March 2016
We have visitors from the UK and would love to do a tour they fly out on tues is there a time we could come out and what is your address and price of the tour Thanks
Written 1 April 2015
Chris J
Mission Beach, Australia
Thanks for your enquiry, tours re-start on Thursday 9 April and will run every week for the rest of the year.
We are at 388 Cassowary Dve Mission Beach
Prices are $29 adults $15 Children under 15 $25 Seniors. $75 Family 2A2C.
Hope to see you on a tour.
Regards
Chris
Written 1 April 2015
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