Until recently, I'd never set foot in Tasmania. As a born-and-bred Aussie, I'd somehow always skipped over it in favour of other holiday spots. But this year, I finally made the trip, and I already want to go back.

Here's everything I did, ate, drank, and saw—and exactly why I'm already planning my return.

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A quick flight to Hobart. 

I flew into Hobart from Sydney, and the flight couldn't have been easier. Under two hours, smooth the whole way, and I basically napped from take-off to landing. Stress-free travel is always a good sign of how a trip will go.

Once I landed, it was straight to my hire car. I booked through Turo, which is a car-sharing platform where local hosts rent out their personal cars. I hired a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class from host Jody, and it made the trip feel like a luxury getaway from the get-go.

I felt like a Housewife of Hobart. 

For starters, it was a hybrid, so I only needed to fill up once during the three-day road trip between Hobart and Launceston. It also had heated seats, a sunroof, and Apple CarPlay, which made it perfect for a solo road trip soundtrack and warm, comfy drives on chilly Tassie mornings. 

Where to explore, eat and stay in Launceston. 

After an easy pickup at Hobart Airport, I hit the road north to Launceston (or "Lonnie" if you want to sound local). Just over two hours later, I arrived at my first hotel: Peppers Silo Hotel.

This place is unlike anything else I've stayed in—built inside four massive grain silos from the 1960s and transformed into a luxe nine-storey hotel. It's right on the banks of the Tamar River and has all the perks you need for a comfortable stay.

If you love waterfront dining, do not miss Stillwater. Located just across the Tamar River, it's one of Tasmania's best-known restaurants. Think sun-drenched dining rooms, a private cellar space for groups, and food that makes you want to slow down and savour every bite. The locals are so proud of their produce—and rightfully so. Nearly everything you eat and drink here is grown, caught, or fermented on the island.

After lunch, head over to Turner Stillhouse Distillery, home of the iconic Three Cuts Gin. I tasted several flavours—my favourite was the Cherry Blossom Gin—and they recently launched Tasmania's first bourbon-style whiskey alongside their Rosevears Single Malts. Book a tasting session. You won't regret it.

Back at Peppers, I stayed in a gorgeous Silo Room (yes, inside an actual silo). If you're lucky enough to nab one of their four suites, the bathrooms alone are bigger than a Sydney apartment. That night, I dined at Grain of the Silos, where the chef is obsessed with truffles—and you will be too. I had a "small plate" of stracciatella, smoked beetroot, roasted apple and pine nuts that was life-changing. Not to mention the market fish, which was so tender it fell apart under the fork. 10/10, would eat again.

Where to stop on the trip back to Hobart. 

I hit the road back to Hobart the next morning, but made sure to take the long way.

Must-Stop Towns:

• Evandale: A quiet, artsy town known for its charming streets, artisan shops, and excellent coffee. Ideal for a relaxed morning stroll and a bit of browsing.

• Campbell Town: A great place to stretch your legs, grab a snack, and take in some colonial architecture. It's a simple but worthwhile stop to break up the drive.

• Ross: A standout stop. Home to the historic Ross Bridge, one of Australia's oldest surviving stone bridges — it's postcard perfect. Just a short walk away is the Ross Bakery Inn, famous for its Vanilla Slice. I'm usually more of a savoury person, but this one changed me. Flaky pastry, thick custard, and just the right amount of sweetness.

• Oatlands: Known for Callington Mill, a beautifully restored windmill and distillery. You can climb to the top for sweeping views, and kids will love exploring the grounds. I had lunch at the Kentish Hotel, a classic country pub that serves elevated comfort food made with fresh, local ingredients.

  

  Image: Supplied.

Where to explore, eat and stay in Hobart. 

Back in Hobart, I checked into the Mövenpick Hotel, which ticked every box: valet parking, beautiful rooms with city views, and free Chocolate Hour in the lobby every day from 3:30–4:30pm. Yes, you read that right — Free. Chocolate.

Dinner at Tesoro Restaurant, inside the hotel, was one of the best meals of my life. The garlic pizzette bread? A revelation. I had the Mr Brown Mushroom Pappardelle, followed by the Chocolate Rocher Tart with vanilla mascarpone and Tasmanian honey. I'm still thinking about it.

During the day, I explored the iconic Salamanca Market (Sundays only) and went for scenic walks just outside the city. My top picks:

• Cape Raoul Lookout: A short family-friendly hike.

• Remarkable Cave: A natural rock formation in the shape of Tasmania. Very Instagrammable.

• Bangor Vineyard Shed: Located near Dunalley, this family-run vineyard overlooks Blackman Bay. Book lunch and a wine tasting for the full experience. You'll want to take a few bottles home (they ship!).

  

  Image: Supplied.

Get weird at Dark Mofo. 

The main reason to time your Tassie trip for June? Two words: Dark Mofo.

Hosted by MONA (the Museum of Old and New Art), Dark Mofo is a midwinter arts festival that completely transforms Hobart. Think wild art installations, massive feasts, live music, and all things weird and wonderful. The city glows red, and everyone dresses in their darkest, edgiest outfits.

Festival Highlights:

• Winter Feast: Picture over 70 stallholders offering decadent food, mulled wine, local brews, and desserts. There's live music, bonfires, and a First Nations-led opening night. You could honestly spend all night just feasting.

• Night Mass: God Complex: Edgy performance art, screamo bands, people in animal masks, and intense, theatrical installations.

• Dark Rituals: There's a coffin you can lie in to "experience death" (yes, really), and an outdoor area where you can kneel and scream. I wasn't brave enough for the Nude Solstice Swim (where people plunge naked into the Derwent River at sunrise), but it's officially on the list for next year.

  

  Image: Supplied.

Tasmania offers everything—from luxury hotels and road trip stops to gourmet food, pristine landscapes, and seriously bold art. For an island that often gets overlooked, it has a lot to offer.

I went once, and now I'm already planning my next trip. Tassie, I'll be back for seconds.

This author was a guest of Turo x Accor Hotels x Dark Mofo. All views expressed are her own.

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Feature: Supplied.