If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting a chocolate factory like Willy Wonka’s, then Panny’s Chocolate Factory on Phillip Island is an unmissable stop!
This is a unique and complete sensory experience, blending history, art, fun and taste.
Entering the factory is already a surprise: instead of a regular ticket, you receive a chocolate bar!
Along with this sweet treat, they also give you a small booklet that tells the story of the factory, chocolate, and the artisanal products they passionately create here.
The tour begins with a fascinating journey through the history of chocolate, exploring how cacao was first discovered by the Aztecs and the Maya and later brought to Europe by Spanish conquistadors. The factory also displays a world map of current cacao plantations, with a strong focus on sustainable sourcing. Panny’s has been working with the same cacao supplier in Africa for over 20 years. They don’t own plantations themselves but support local economies by purchasing directly from small-scale producers.
The experience becomes even more immersive as you enter an interactive area where you can play with chocolate, discovering its secrets and unique characteristics. Then, you come face-to-face with the spectacular chocolate waterfall, a continuous stream of liquid chocolate that makes you want to dive right in! Another highlight was tasting their penguin-shaped pralines, a delightful nod to the island’s beloved wildlife.
The tour continues into the production area, where you can witness the entire process, from cacao beans to the final packaged bar. Thanks to Italian-made machinery, the chocolate is crafted with the highest precision. In this section, photos and videos are not allowed to protect the production process.
But the biggest surprise? The life-sized chocolate sculpture of Michelangelo’s David! An astonishing masterpiece entirely made of
chocolate, blending art and gastronomy in a unique and unexpected way
Panny’s is an artisan chocolate factory that does not sell online or in supermarkets. It’s a truly artisanal small business: the only way to taste their delicious treats is to visit the factory in person and buy their chocolate right here! I absolutely love discovering these authentic, artisanal, and unique local businesses. In a world where everything is becoming increasingly globalized, it’s refreshing to find hidden gems that can only be experienced in one place. This exclusivity makes their chocolate a special souvenir for true chocolate lovers.
Their most famous product is the White Truffle, a praline filled with vanilla cream and coated in white chocolate, first created in 2005 and now their best-selling delight. But, personally, I absolutely love the dolphin- and penguin-shaped milk and white chocolate pralines… simply delicious!
If you visit Phillip Island, don’t miss this extraordinary factory… be prepared to an amazing interactive journey that engages all the senses, plenty of chocolate!
Phillip Island offers a truly authentic experience, combining pristine nature, wildlife encounters, and gastronomic surprises.
If you’re planning a trip to Victoria, this island definitely deserves a spot on your itinerary!
Read more about the Island in my ” PHILLIP ISLAND: NATURE, ADVENTURE, AND ARTISAN CHOCOLATE” article.
Don’t make the mistake of rushing through—take your time to explore, soak in the atmosphere, and let yourself be enchanted by its magic. 
