Welcome to Tocumwal Chocolate School, a small boutique, adults-only hosted retreat near the Murray River in Tocumwal, New South Wales. Proudly recognised as the Gold winner for Excellence in Food Tourism at the 2025 NSW Tourism Awards, we offer a unique stay where peaceful accommodation, chef-prepared dining and artisan chocolate experiences come together.
Our boutique property features just two private studio suites, creating a quiet, intimate and personal stay. Each suite has its own private entry and is designed for comfort and calm, with a king bedroom, quality linen, spacious bathroom, peaceful views, complimentary Wi-Fi and a butler’s pantry for tea, coffee and light snacks. There are no televisions in the suites, allowing guests to properly unwind.
Please note we are not self-catering. The butler’s pantry is for light snacks only. There are no cooking facilities in the suites, and guests do not have access to the School kitchen or catering areas.
Food and chocolate are central to the Tocumwal Chocolate School experience. Chef-prepared breakfasts, casual meals, private dinners, bespoke menus, communal dining and artisan chocolates can be arranged before arrival, subject to availability. These are not standard motel-style meals; they are part of the hosted food tourism experience created by Wendy, your host, chef and Master Chocolatier.
Guests may also book chocolate experiences during their stay, including guided tastings, hands-on chocolate classes or artisan chocolates to enjoy or take home. At times, chocolate classes, tastings or dining experiences may be taking place at the School, adding to the atmosphere.
Shared guest spaces include the deck, outdoor areas, communal dining spaces and plunge pool overlooking the dams. The pool is shared, not heated and available seasonally/weather permitting.
We are best suited to guests who want more than a simple bed-only stay. If you enjoy beautiful food, artisan chocolate, peaceful surrounds, we welcome you
Hi, I’m Wendy Alford, owner, chef and Master Chocolatier at Tocumwal Chocolate School. This little corner of paradise has been my dream for more than 15 years — a place where I could bring together my love of chocolate, food, teaching and connecting with people. Now, together with Martin, I’m delighted to share it with our guests.
To me, chocolate is much more than something sweet. It is about flavour, creativity, skill, patience and the joy of sharing something handmade. I love teaching guests how to understand chocolate, from tasting and tempering to creating beautiful flavour combinations. Whether you are a complete beginner or a passionate chocolate lover, my goal is to make you feel welcome, inspired and a little bit spoiled.
Food is also a big part of who we are. I enjoy preparing thoughtful, chef-led meals, breakfasts, dinners, tasting experiences and artisan chocolates that help make each stay feel special. Tocumwal Chocolate School has been recognised as a Gold NSW Tourism Award winner for Excellence in Food Tourism, which reflects how central food, chocolate and hospitality are to what we do.
Martin and I live on-site in a separate private area, so we are available when needed while still giving guests their privacy. We love creating a relaxed, personal experience where guests feel looked after, never rushed, and free to enjoy the property in their own way.
Our property reflects everything I value: comfort, tranquillity, good food, warm hosting and little details that make a stay memorable. With only two boutique studio suites, our retreat is quiet, personal and designed for adults who want to slow down, savour the moment and enjoy something a little different.
I look forward to welcoming you to Tocumwal Chocolate School, where passion, creativity, chocolate and the simple pleasure of a beautiful shared experience come together.
Tocumwal is a relaxed riverside town on the Murray River, known for its natural beauty, friendly hospitality and easy country charm. It is the perfect place to slow down, enjoy fresh air, explore the river and make the most of a peaceful regional escape.
The Murray River is at the heart of Tocumwal, offering beautiful places for walking, fishing, boating, picnics and quiet moments by the water. Nature lovers can also explore Tocumwal Regional Park, with bushland, birdlife and walking trails close by.
Tocumwal is also well known for gliding, with scenic flights offering a memorable way to see the river country from above. Golfers can enjoy the Tocumwal Golf Club, while those who love local flavour can browse nearby markets, visit local producers or enjoy dining in town and across the river in Barooga.
Just across the Murray, Barooga offers attractions such as the Bullanginya Dreaming light experience, celebrating Indigenous culture through light, water and storytelling.
Food lovers will find plenty to enjoy in the region, from relaxed country cafés and riverside dining to local produce, seasonal markets and nearby wineries within driving distance. The area is ideal for couples who enjoy a slower pace, good food, nature and discovering small regional gems.
Guests staying at Tocumwal Chocolate School can enjoy the best of both worlds: a quiet adults-only retreat with food and chocolate experiences on-site, and the Murray River, golf, nature, local dining and regional attractions close by.
Whether you are here to relax, explore, taste, learn or simply unwind, Tocumwal offers a warm and memorable country escape.
Language spoken: English