Australian chocolate might not be quite as famous as Belgian or Swiss chocolate, but I can promise you that it's still delicious, and a great place to test this promise out is at the Swan Valley branch of the Margaret River Chocolate Factory. The Swan Valley is just on the outskirts of the city of Perth and the chocolate factory is open to visitors every day except Christmas Day.

There are two essential things to do at the Margaret River Chocolate Factory. The first is to sample the chocolate buds that are waiting for you in large silver bowls near the entrance. You can choose from white, milk and dark chocolate (or mix all three) and you are free to scoop as many chocolate buds into your hands as you want - and come back for seconds, and thirds ... That way you can sample the basic chocolate they're using, and if you're enticed, you can then buy either blocks of chocolate or choose from their display of truffles.

The second thing you must do is sit out on their verandah area and drink a hot chocolate. They also have lunches and biscuits, but these are optional - but you can't leave without trying a hot chocolate. My mouth's watering just thinking about it.

If you go: The Swan Valley part of the Margaret River Chocolate Factory is at 5123 West Swan Road in West Swan, in the heart of the Swan Valley. Unless you go as part of a tour, you'll probably need a rental car to get out to the Swan Valley, but as well as the chocolate factory there are great wineries and breweries to try out as well. They're open every day between 9am and 4.30pm.