As I ascend the timber steps of the waterfront hotel I can see the multitude of electric car charging stations to my right are all in use. Some of the guilt around the carbon emissions of flying down to Tasmania from Melbourne starts to melt away.

Inside, the melting continues. I’d read that the food and wine was locally sourced, and found it immediately on display in the gourmet Tasmanian cheese platter awaiting my arrival. I savoured the platter while simultaneously drinking in the breathtaking view of Hobart’s harbour from my balcony.

At dusk I’m whisked to an intimate rooftop dining experience in the heart of Hobart. It’s hosted by acclaimed chef and photographer Luke Burgess (ex-Garagistes), who is renowned for his innovation and local focus. Tick, and tick.

When confronted by a generic-looking commercial building on Hobart’s bustling Macquarie Street, I assume we’ve taken a wrong turn. Nope. The exclusive eatery, which seats just 10 people at $285 a head, is tucked away by design.

The next day I’m still full from the previous night’s feast. I lumber, bloated, through the morning frost and hit the road in the 2022 Polestar 2. The Polestar is the second car from Volvo’s exclusively electric brand and the first to be introduced to the Australian market. I’m quietly thrilled at the prospect of reducing my carbon footprint without lining Elon Musk’s pockets.

The acceleration is terrifyingly fast – 0 to 100 in under five seconds – and flying on those winding roads against a backdrop of verdant Tasmanian forests makes me feel like I’ve stepped into a movie starring someone far cooler than me.