The best things to do and see in the NSW Hunter Valley

Recently I enjoyed the perfect two-night escape from Sydney I desperately needed
The weekend in the idyllic NSW Hunter Valley was filled with fun, adventure, delicious food, and sightseeing.
Now, as a lifelong Sydney-sider, I have been to the Hunter Valley of course, but this time around I wanted to see more of the region that I haven’t checked out before.
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Here are my top things to see and do (and stay at!) in the Hunter Valley.
According to Booking.com’s Holiday Home Outlook Report of 2024, 50 per cent of travellers want to book a “classic beach house” for their next stay. But coming in close, at 33 per cent, is a ”cosy cabin”. 
I was invited by Booking.com to stay at The Station in Pokolbin, and it easily fits the bill.
The Station features a series of converted train carriages on a stunning piece of property – in the heart of the Hunter and close to some of its most popular sights and attractions.
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I stayed here, at The George, with my partner in one of the last weekends of winter, and it featured a cosy outdoor fire, a BBQ, a kitchen, comfortable living and dining room, and five beds.
According to the report, 21 per cent of Aussie travellers think a BBQ makes a holiday home “uniquely Australian,” while 15 per cent think its “being close to the bush”. Again, this spot had it all.
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I feel like the Hunter has a lot of boutique places to have lunch in the vineyards, and not too many places for brunch.
But at the top of my list for brunch places is Cafe Enzo Hunter Valley, in the heart of Pokolbin.
It’s great, good quality food at reasonable prices in a charming rustic setting. I’d recommend booking to avoid disappointment!
For lunch one day, my partner and I treated ourselves to a luxe lunch at Circa 1876 Restaurant The Convent Hunter Valley. 
The restaurant, which in itself is both charming and stunning, sits on lush grounds and has its own garden and even a chicken coop!
I tried the scallops, and my partner enjoyed the stuffed calamari entrees with ink sauce.
For many travellers, food is an important part of a holiday.
According to Booking.com’s Travel Predictions 2024, 58 per cent of “culinary excavators” want to learn “about the origins of a destination’s ‘must-eat’ delicacies than they were in the past.”
We also paid a visit to the Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop – a must see for all foodies and cheese plate enthusiasts – and there’s even a chocolate store next door if you want a sweet treat!
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My partner and I fell in love with Scotland a few years back when we did a road trip around the country – so naturally, we made our way to The 2024 Hunter Valley Highland Games, which was an incredible thing to see.
Drawing in hundreds, if not thousands of spectators – some who were even dressed in tartan – the games were held at Saltire Estate and featured food stalls, marching bands, Scottish dancing and even highland coos.
Now, I’m aware the next games are in 2025, but I would one hundred per cent recommend nabbing a ticket for next year and heading down. We were lucky enough to be in the Hunter the weekend of the event – but we can’t wait to go back next year.
Of course, you see an incredible display of strength; with events including caber toss, Keg toss and natural stones of strength. There are also some Scottish delicacies on offer – including haggis, black pudding and tattie scones if you’re feeling a little adventurous.
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There are apparently more than 150 wineries in the Hunter Valley, so of course you can pick and choose which one you like best.
For me, I paid a visit to Gundog Estate, a smaller winery with stunning mountain views, wine products and gourmet sauces, jams, condiments and even coffee beans.
I picked up a Pinot Noir Puttanesca Sauce which went down a treat when used for the sauce for my Italian meatballs.
On that note, I need to order more!
The writer was a guest of Booking.com.