Mitchell Pettigrew @ShipwreckPhotography is a Brisbane local, with his love of the ocean and nature portrayed through his photography.

As the weeks race by, I find that I don’t always get a chance to appreciate the beauty of my own city. So when Mantra Hotels asked me to collaborate with them to discover some of the highlights of Brisbane, I was excited to take up the opportunity and spend some time enjoying the nature and slower pace of Brisbane City and South Bank. My two day itinerary took me to Sirromet for lunch, city lights dinner with Kookaburra Showboat Cruises, exploring the Queensland Museum’s Gladiators exhibition, dinner at Stone Restaurant and Bar and of course, a comfortable stay at Mantra South Bank. Check out my photo journal below.

Before I arrived:

First light from the middle of the river. I will be in South Bank with Mantra Hotels over next couple of days showing you South Bank and its surroundings

Literally just across the street from Mantra South Bank, this is the most beautiful grand arbor.

Later that morning: Sirromet organised my transfer from Brisbane through Black and White cabs to take me straight to the winery. Only a short drive from my hotel in South Bank, it is simply beautiful there. Sirromet is a family owned and run winery with over 885 awards won since 2000. We had lunch at Restaurant Lurleen’s, which offers modern Australian cuisine overlooking Moreton Bay and the sand ridges of Stradbroke Island.

Our accommodation for two nights: Mantra South Bank is walking distance to the river, Brisbane Eye and Queensland Museum, really a hidden gem. I didn't expect it to be so central to everything. The room was just perfect with everything you could need and the staff were so helpful, all in all, I will definitely be back. We had a one bedroom apartment which was really comfortable and convenient with Stone Restaurant and Bar downstairs, an easy location for breakfast and dinner.

Dinner that night: Stone Restaurant and Bar can be spotted to the right side of the entrance at Mantra South Bank. The food was delicious, modern Australian style. Stone was extremely enjoyable and an unexpected treat, not very often you have a great place to stay with the restaurant below just as amazing. There was so much delicious food, we had the lamb rump with rosemary chats, Dutch carrots, parsnip crisps, mushroom jus and the pan fried market fish with sautéed chats, steamed greens and lime hollandaise.

The next morning: Hello South Bank! It was so lovely walking around this morning taking in the sights. South Bank is such a beautiful part of Brisbane and perfect for morning walks. There were even people swimming in the lagoon.

Later that afternoon: Left the stunning hotel to see the new Heroes at the Colosseum - Gladiators exhibition on at Queensland Museum. There's a photo of some men fighting dogs and it is actually graffiti and it blows my mind the time that would have taken. Then off to the markets and the beach… well kind of the beach (South Bank Lagoon).

Walked from Mantra South Bank looking for a scenic spot to take photos from and as I crossed this bridge colour burst into action… but then it rained.

That evening: Kookaburra Showboat Cruise. Watching the full moon rise before we get on board City Lights Dinner Cruise by Kookaburra Showboat Cruises. The pier is just a short drive from Mantra South Bank.

Breakfast at Stone Restaurant and Bar: Perfect on a warm sunny day and a good place for people watching.

South Bank is one of my favourite parts of Brisbane. To me, the view of the river and choice of activities are what set it apart.