Though not exactly a replica of something out of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, which most people might like to dream of, the sugar mills of Queensland, Australia do draw crowds of visitors. Eighty-five percent of Queensland's raw sugar is sold on the world market. The harvest season occurs from June to mid-November.

Tully Sugar Mill

The town of Tully is mostly recognizable for its extremely wet weather and with an average rainfall of four meters, why wouldn't it be? However, despite a lack of tourists, who are usually drawn east to Mission Beach, Tully has exciting white water rafting and challenging hiking trails in an area surrounded by sugar cane fields. If you're in the area, you can visit the sugar mill during harvest season and explore the interesting ways of growing, harvesting, and processing sugar cane into products such as raw sugar and molasses.

Sarina Sugar Shed

Head south and you'll find the Sarina Sugar Shed, the only fully operational miniature sugar-processing mill and distillery in Australia, and a mill a little bit closer to Willy Wonka's candy land creation. Tour guides take you through the whole factory and let you taste some of its homemade lollipops, fairy floss, and jams. Adults can also enjoy watching how rum and other alcohols are made with the chance to try some. End your trip at the mill's gift shop and "Just Sweet" café, and it's sure to be just sweet enough.

Written by  Allison Hansen.

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