Whistler’s Chocolate Co

Whistler's Chocolate Co describes itself as Western Australia's oldest chocolate company, and it has spent more than fifty years making traditional chocolates and confectionery from family recipes handed down through the generations. Its shop and cafe on the Great Northern Highway in Middle Swan are listed by Tourism Western Australia among the Swan Valley's handmade chocolate stops.

The showroom is the first stop. It displays chocolate sculptures handmade by the company's chocolatier, and free chocolate samples are offered, which is a good way to decide what to take home. The range covers old-fashioned favourites such as rocky road, chocolate liquorice and coconut rough, alongside newer lines including chocolate-coated pretzels, chocolate caramel popcorn and chocolate snakes. There are also handmade truffles and honeycomb, fudge, ice creams and a large selection of dark chocolate, plus giftware for presents.

The cafe adds a sit-down element. It serves six different hot chocolates, locally roasted coffee and iced drinks, together with a large range of desserts and cakes and light meals for both adults and children. Outside, a large enclosed garden gives children space to play while adults finish their coffee, which is one reason the venue appeals so strongly to families, and the menu is designed with children in mind as well as adults.

The business is open on public holidays except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. The Swan Valley tourism listing gives shop hours of 9am to 5pm daily but notes that the cafe closes earlier, at 2pm, so plan to arrive by lunchtime if you want to eat. Chocolates can also be bought through the company's online shop if you want to send gifts or reorder at home, which saves carrying fragile or heat-sensitive treats around on a warm day of touring.

Whistler's is a natural addition to a Swan Valley itinerary, sitting among wineries, breweries and other food producers on the region's 32-kilometre loop. It works well as a sweet break between cellar doors or as part of a family day that also includes Caversham Wildlife Park or Whiteman Park. The Swan Valley Visitor Centre in Guildford, open daily, can help you plan a route that includes it.