Darrell Lea in Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, Australia | Shop

Welcome to Darrell Lea, Chocolate Shop, Surfers Paradise, Australia. Since 1927, Darrell Lea has been creating delicious confectionery treats for Australians. Still 100% family owned, employees and family invite you to delight, savour and share in our many great tasting chocolate and confectionery treats produced fresh every day. What are you waiting for?

The history of the Darrell Lea company goes back to February 15 1876 when young Harry Lea was born in the east end of London and later emmigrated to Australia with his family in 1888. Arriving in Perth at the tender age of 12 years, Harry’s formal schooling was negligible and it stayed that way.

He did find work, however, rolling cigars in a cigar factory, as a marine dealer, “bottle-o” and even prospecting for gold. Harry’s parents paid to have him taught the fine art of confectionery making. This eventually led to a pushcart and a barrow being wheeled around the streets of Perth and Fremantle and from which a product called Bulgarian Rock was sold. It was Harry’s first confectionery venture, an instant hit and the company is still making Bulgarian Rock today.

On most days the Shop sold out by early afternoon and had to shut – so the family started cooking for the next day! As the business prospered, a factory was leased in Devonshire Street, Surry Hills. Over time the company outgrew the premises and then moved to No. 1 York Street , under the first arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and remained there until 1963.  There is a Darrell Lea Shop in Surfers Paradise.