Cramming the island’s wonders into just three days might sound bonkers, even impossible – but I set out to try.

Curious to see just how much beauty and adventure could fit into such a short escape, I had a hunch it could be done.

After all, it was only (a few) months ago that I bought a house and moved my family down after a single weekend visit – a decision I’m still trying to convince family and friends was entirely rational.

Now a local, I was eager to uncover more surprises and this trip delivered a memorable mix of comfort, creativity, and culinary bliss.

Thanks to a smooth ride from Turo car hire, stunning Accor hotel stays, and the wild spectacle of Dark Mofo, it was an experience worth sharing.

No road trip is complete without the right wheels and my old hatchback just wasn’t up to the task.

Enter Turo – the world’s largest car-sharing marketplace where guests can book any car they want, wherever they want it, from a vibrant community of trusted hosts.

The Turo app was easy to navigate with plenty of options for every budget.

I landed on an Audi Q5 owned by all-star host Jody, whose glowing reviews sealed the deal. We met at Hobart Airport for a seamless handover: no rental queues or endless paperwork, just a quick exchange and the keys were mine.

The car was in pristine condition – sleek, roomy, and ideal for the winding roads ahead.

The weather played its part too: after a week of statewide rain, the skies cleared and sunshine followed us through the scenic Midlands to Launceston.

First stop: Stillwater, where a delicious linguine with Skull Island prawns set the tone for our culinary journey.

Then on to Turners Stillhouse for a behind-the-scenes tour and a taste of their award-winning spirits where a bottle of their delicious new bourbon-style Rosevears Tasmanian Three Grain Whiskey came home with me.

We checked into Peppers Silo Hotel Launceston, a brilliant conversion of historic grain silos into a modern retreat.

The curved walls were a beautiful nod to the building’s past, but it was the local touches that instantly stood out.

A bottle of Utzinger pinot noir, glasses designed by local artisan Uprising Glassware, Waverley Mills throws and a tea set offering Tasmanian breakfast tea brought the room to life and wrapped me up into a cosy, Tassie-themed hug.

No visit would be complete without meeting Archie the Silo Dog, the sweet black lab who failed his guide dog exam but found his true calling as the hotel’s most loved resident.

Dinner at on-site Grain of the Silos was a highlight – unforgettable from first bite to last.

We opted for the “Let Us Feed You” option with matched wines and every dish was more exceptional than the last.

By dessert, our only regret was that we didn’t have larger stomachs.

After a hearty breakfast and one last pat for Archie, we hit the road to Hobart.

After travelling through historic towns like Evandale, Campbell Town and Oatlands, we made the mandatory stop in Ross for one of its famous vanilla slices and were also treated to a tour of the bakery’s kitchen and wood-fired oven.

In Hobart, the Movenpick Hotel became our base. Its unbeatable CBD location made it ideal for exploring Dark Mofo and grabbing some last-minute outfit essentials.

Each afternoon, the lobby came alive with Chocolate Hour – an indulgent spread of handmade chocolates and other treats straight out of any dessert lover’s dreams.

Tesoro, the hotel restaurant, offered a hearty Italian menu showcasing some of the best produce Tasmania has to offer. In true Italian style, the food kept flowing – and even after we polished off our decadent chocolate tart for dessert, a selection of House of Anvers chocolates arrived to test the limits of how much chocolate is safe for the human body to consume.

I was told rolling downhill was not an option, so we opted to walk down to Dark Park after dinner to explore the eccentric art installations.

An early start the next morning saw us grabbing a quick bite at Movenpick’s impressive buffet breakfast before heading out for a scenic drive up to the Tasman National Park Lookout.

The journey to find the best view in Tassie continued to Cape Raoul where we were spoiled for choice with hiking options.

While the 16.4km full hike was tempting to those with higher levels of fitness than my own, we opted for a shorter trek and were rewarded with breathtaking views of windblown cliffs, crashing waves and an uninterrupted horizon.

Our walk was followed by wine tasting and lunch at Bangor Vineyard Shed which showcased farm-to-fork dining at its finest – especially the oysters which were harvested just minutes before hitting our plates.

With a last-minute change of plans, I texted Jody via the Turo app to arrange an early car return. We met at his place and he insisted on driving me back to my hotel to save me the cab fare.

During the ride, he shared stories that reflected his above-and-beyond approach – like helping international guests navigate local roads and even making an extra trip to Launceston for a customer.

Returning the car felt more like catching up with a friend than ending a transaction.

That night, the Winter Feast awaited. From roving oyster butlers to smoky brushtail possum bao and umami butter lobster pasta – it was a sensory fireworks display in every bite.

Then came the infamous Night Mass, easily accessible on foot after a quick outfit change at the hotel.

After a night of dancing and meeting new friends, 4am arrived far too soon.

At this point, I was immensely grateful for Movenpick’s central location – being just minutes from bed and a warm bath to soak my sore feet – was greatly appreciated.

A quick call to the front desk secured a late checkout, and as I melted into the sheets, I reflected on my whirlwind adventure.

From scenic drives, impeccable stays, world-class fine dining and art installations that have left a lasting impact, I will be counting down the days until I can do it all again next year.

The author was a guest of Turo, Accor Hotels & The Buzz Group