The Factory
Melba's Chocolate Factory is a 'working' tourism factory located in a heritage listed complex 40 minutes from Adelaide at Woodside in the Adelaide Hills.
From 1919 the South Australian Farmers Cooperative Union made the site famous by producing cheese, butter, margarine and small goods, which were recognised worldwide. This activity ceased in 1976.
From that year, the buildings lay abandoned until 1990 when the current proprietors and directors, Joy and Graeme Foristal arrived. With 1940's era chocolate and confectionery making equipment, they began their dream making old Australian favourite chocolate and confectionery.
The complex developed from there and is now known as 'Heritage Park' and has become home to other cottage industries.
Visitors today find the old cheese factory transformed into a large emporium styled confectionery factory shop. This is a centerpiece for 5 different rooms, where various manufacturing processes can be viewed. These are the Chocolate Room | Depositing Room | Packing Room | Panning Room | Toffee Room.
Visitors are encouraged to speak to the staff who have mastered the use of the heritage equipment, making old fashioned favourites in the time honoured tradition. Old favourites such as, Inch Licorice Block, Traffic Lights and Rocky Road. To tempt chocolate lovers, there is the constant aroma of chocolate and confectionery being made.....yum!
An additional interesting feature is the collection of antique and quaint memorabilia from times past, which can be found on display around the factory walls.
All in all, this package makes the factory a popular family attraction as well as a significant Hill's destination for families, groups, charters and interstate, national and international visitors.
