The development application for a $150 million “Chocolate Experience” at Cadbury has been lodged with Glenorchy City Council, marking a major milestone for the privately-funded tourism project.
Led by Tasmanian tourism veteran Simon Currant, the attraction is expected to attract over half a million visitors annually, creating more than 500 jobs during construction and ongoing operation, and injecting an estimated $120 million into the state’s economy each year. The project, which celebrates Cadbury’s 100-year history in Tasmania while championing local producers, has been hailed by business and tourism leaders as a significant boost for the state’s confidence and a transformative addition to its visitor economy.
Media release – Simon Currant and Associates, 14 September 2025
“All Go” for the World’s Ultimate Chocolate Experience
Simon Currant and Associates has reached a major milestone, lodging its development application with Glenorchy City Council for their $150 million Chocolate Experience at Cadbury.
This new attraction will deliver a major boost to Tasmania’s visitor economy, welcoming over 550,000 visitors a year, injecting $120 million into the Tasmanian economy annually, and creating more than 300 construction jobs and over 200 ongoing roles.
After years in the making the first stage of the development application has been submitted. Construction will start early next year, with the Experience to open its doors in 2027.
The Experience will celebrate a century of Cadbury in the state while championing local producers, ingredients and makers as a proudly Tasmanian destination.
The award-winning Tasmanian architecture firm Cumulus Studio, together with world-renowned Art Processors — which is owned by MONA’s David Walsh — have developed amazing concepts, playing an instrumental role in shaping the designs released today.
“Built on curiosity, invention, and joy, this is an active, sensory experience that brings the wonder of chocolate to life, inspiring discovery and connection through generosity, and hands-on fun for all ages,” said Tony Holzner of Art Processors.
Highlights include Chocolate Central, the vibrant heart of the Experience; the Premium Chocolate Studio, a Build Your Own Bar experience, and a Masterclass studio, where visitors create and indulge in exclusive Tasmanian-flavoured chocolates; and the decadent Chocolate Lounge.
The Immersive Chocolate Tour brings Cadbury’s 100-year Tasmanian heritage to life, through the Cacao Forest, Chocolate Lab, Factory Control Room, and Taste Kitchen.
“Cadbury’s story runs deep in Tasmania, and by pairing that heritage with the best local produce we will create a destination that locals are proud of, and visitors will love,” said Currant.
“The experience takes its cue from the adjacent Cadbury Factory, full of pipes, fast-paced machines conveyor belts, technology and generations of human endeavour. It creates a hyperreal version of a chocolate factory.
“It invites visitors to discover the wonder of chocolate and Tasmania’s artisanal food culture in new and surprising ways,” Currant said.
Toby Smith, President of Mondelēz International in Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, said:
“Given the significant community benefits this project delivers, we’re excited to be on-board as the brand partner, helping to create a lasting tourism and economic legacy for the state.”
Local ferry operators, Navigators, will design, build and operate two new ferries to transport over 80 per cent of visitors to the Experience.
“As the operators of the MONA ferries there will be a great synergy between the two experiences,” said Navigators’ John Roche.
“The Experience is an architectural embodiment of chocolate itself – rich, layered, and unforgettable. It is a place where magic is not just seen, but felt, tasted, and experienced in every detail,” said Peter Walker, Cumulus Studio.
Ninety five per cent of the Experience will be privately funded, with existing Government support providing the confidence for its future success.
Media release – Tourism Industry Council Tasmania, 14 September 2025
Cadbury Experience hits the sweet spot
The Tourism Industry Council Tasmania has welcomed the submission of the Development Application for the $150 million Cadbury Chocolate Experience project, describing it as a major boost for the state’s visitor economy.
TICT CEO, Amy Hills, said the project would be a nationally significant attraction and a transformative addition to Tasmania’s tourism offering.
“The Cadbury Chocolate Experience hits a sweet spot for the visitor economy,” Hills said.
“This is a Tasmanian-led project, celebrating our produce, our people and our place. With over 550,000 visitors expected each year, it will quickly become one of Tasmania’s most popular attractions for both locals and visitors.
“Importantly, this is being delivered by Simon Currant, one of Tasmania’s most iconic tourism leaders, who has already given our state incredible destinations such as Pumphouse Point and Peppermint Bay. His track record of delivery is second to none, and this is shaping up as his most remarkable project yet.”
The Experience will celebrate Cadbury’s century-long heritage in Tasmania while showcasing local producers and creativity. It will feature immersive chocolate tours, hands-on chocolate making, and unique Tasmanian flavours, adding new vibrancy to the state’s visitor economy.
Hills said the project was also a timely boost for the economy more broadly.
“This is exactly the type of investment we need right now, as we look to grow our economy and create opportunities. As an industry, we always need to look to the future and how we are going to continue to lead the nation as a visitor destination. This project will be a step-change in Tasmania’s visitor economy and is one of the most exciting things to happen to our industry since MONA opened.
“This will be a destination locals can be proud of, and visitors from around Australia and the world will travel to experience.”
Media release – Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 14 September 2025
New Cadbury project a boost for business confidence
The Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has welcomed the lodgement of the $150 million Chocolate Experience at Cadbury development application, describing it as a win for business confidence in the state.
TCCI CEO Michael Bailey said the project demonstrates the kind of private investment that delivers jobs, growth, and confidence.
“This investment is a major vote of confidence in Tasmania. It will support more than 300 jobs during construction, 200 jobs once open and will create a world-class attraction that draws more visitors to our state and strengthens our economy,” Bailey said.
“Projects of this scale don’t just benefit the construction sector, they generate opportunities right across the community, from suppliers and transport operators through to hospitality, retail and service providers. It’s the type of development that delivers benefits throughout the economy.”
Bailey said the Cadbury project reflects the importance of creating an investment-friendly environment in Tasmania.
“Private investment is the lifeblood of our economy. Every time a project like this gets the green light, it builds confidence for other businesses to expand, hire and invest. That’s the foundation for sustainable economic growth and job creation.
“This project not only celebrates Tasmania’s heritage but also provides a legacy for the future. It’s exactly the type of investment our state needs,” Bailey said.
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