I grew up in Brisbane.  My childhood memories are of the old Cats plying the river, Ekka showbags that actually bulged, and the rickety old rollercoaster with the dragon’s head inside the Myer Centre. I also remember that the city’s centre closed promptly at 5pm on weekdays and stayed closed all weekend.

But now, I realise now that it wasn’t just me that grew up – Brisbane has grown up too; into a confident, cosmopolitan metropolis. So I was thrilled when Mantra Hotels invited me to stay at their latest cutting edge hotel, FV by Peppers, and help document how the Brisbane of 2018 has become an urban oasis of culture and sophistication. Check out my three day photo journal of Brisbane all grown up, below.

Day one and I arrive at this stunning new edifice called FV by Peppers, in the heart of Fortitude Valley. It certainly is an impressive architectural landmark.

I check in, and as you would expect from a Peppers property, my room is stylish and beautifully presented.

I follow this up with a walk around the Valley, surprised by how revitalised and urbane it seems these days: the streets are literally dripping with culture.

I got back to the hotel and the kind people of Mantra Hotels had arranged for me to enjoy a dining experience in Kennigo Social House, part of Mantra Richmont Hotel in nearby Spring Hill. It’s a tastefully renovated Queenslander, serving equally tasty fare. Shame I was on my own – some of their share plates looked amazing!

My Saturday begins with another walk; this time through neighbouring New Farm and past its stately parklands. I’m heading down to what is a foodie’s paradise for breakfast – the weekly farmers markets outside Brisbane Powerhouse – over 120 stalls trading in fresh farm produce, flowers, pastries and plenty of cooked treats.

Later I duck across to James Street for a spot of boutique shopping and to catch a latest release at Palace Centro Cinemas.

I head back to FV by Peppers and after all that walking I decide to put my feet up beside the rooftop pool. The spectacular views become even more spectacular as the late afternoon gives way to nightfall.

For dinner my sore feet tell me to stay close to the hotel. So glad they did…. Chinatown in the Valley is a fantastic setting for photography… and the food was great as well!

Sunday morning dawns and I was so inspired by Chinatown last night that I decide to head back there for a few daytime shots, but not before I grab my morning coffee shot at Six by FV.

Then I get into my stride and walk to the city centre – the beauty of FV by Peppers location is you can get to almost everywhere by foot. It’s a Sunday in the city unlike my childhood; the shops are all open and there’s a vibrancy in the air. The old roller coaster has gone, but there are plenty of more adult diversions, like designer shops and restaurants. Brisbane has grown up.