Brisbane Riverfire — Everything You Need to Know

Each Spring, Brisbane plays host to the Brisbane Festival and Brisbane Riverfire – a spectacular festival of the arts showcasing theatre, music, dance, opera, circus, and more.

The city comes to life during the festival, with a full program of exciting public events. A major highlight of the festival that is loved by visitors and locals alike is the Riverfire Brisbane fireworks. Way more than just a fireworks display, this is a huge city event featuring a coordinated multi-venue pyrotechnic show choreographed to an exciting soundtrack, and also includes some jaw-dropping aerial displays.

Here’s everything you need to know about Riverfire 2024 so you can have the best time there with your family!

Riverfire Brisbane Fireworks Locations

Brisbane Riverfire occurs at various venues around Brisbane city, with the fireworks being launched from multiple barges, bridges, and highrise rooftops. 

Many people head to South Bank and set up for the evening at a spot along the Brisbane River close to the Story Bridge to watch the fireworks up close. Note that these areas can get crowded and reach full capacity early, so, to make sure you have the perfect viewing point, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of the best vantage points for families to see Riverfire here.

Key spots in the city to see Riverfire include:

• South Bank Parklands, South Bank (most of this area is fenced for safety on the night, and will be closed once it reaches capacity – get there early!)
• Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Kangaroo Point
• River Terrace, Kangaroo Point
• Captain Burke Park, Kangaroo Point
• Wilson’s Lookout, New Farm
• City Riverwalk (including Riverside Centre and Eagle Street Pier), Brisbane City
• Stamford Plaza Brisbane
• Dock Street, South Brisbane
• Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane City
• Rail overpass at The Barracks, Petrie Terrace, Spring Hill

In our guide, we also cover great viewing spots in the suburbs (which are great for younger kids who may be scared of loud noises) and Brisbane hotel vantage points.

Accessible Viewing Riverfire Location

PLEASE NOTE: This accessible viewing area is booked out for 2024.

Providing an accessible and inclusive viewing platform so everyone can enjoy Riverfire, Brisbane Festival will establish a space atop the Kangaroo Point Cliffs for up to 300 guests. Booking is required in advance to access this area, which will include a reserved space that is fenced off and staffed by volunteers. Parking and toilet facilities are also set up for patrons utilising this area on the night.

Find out more about the Riverfire accessible viewing area here.

When is Riverfire?

The most spectacular night of the year, Riverfire returns in 2024 to light up the Brisbane Festival’s official opening night on Saturday 31st August 2024. Leading up to the night itself, you can also spot the ADF aerial practice runs –

Pre-Riverfire Schedule 2024

Thursday 29th August 2024

12:30pm – C17 and ARH Tiger Helicopter practice runs

Friday 30th August 2024

12:30pm – F/A 18 Hornet

Riverfire Schedule 2024

Saturday 31st August 2024

4:00pm – Entertainment will begin

4:55pm – ADF aerial displays

7:00pm – Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust fireworks display

*Times are subject to change. 

Riverfire – What do you need to know?

Road closures

For visitors’ safety, there are various road closures and restrictions during the day and evening of Riverfire, mainly around the Story Bridge, Victoria Bridge, and South Bank. You can find out about all of the road closures closer to the time here.

River closures

Please note that sections of the Brisbane river will also be closed during certain times on Riverfire day. You can find out about all of the river restrictions closer to the time here. Be sure to check this out if you’re hoping to watch the event from your own boat. Please note that the CityCat and CityFerry services do experience some disruption, so be sure to check ferry times before you travel.

Translink Services

Despite some ferry service disruption around the time of Riverfire, Translink offers some awesome additional services to cater to the number of people heading into the city. There will be extra buses, trains and ferries in the lead-up to the event. There will even be special shuttle services from Eight Mile Plains, Carindale and Chermside. Visit jp.translink.com.au to plan your journey.

Riverfire Soundtrack

The Riverfire fireworks display is set to an awesome background soundtrack that elevates the experience to new heights, with catchy tunes, and synchronised elements that bring an interesting new meaning to the spectacular sights on display. To get the most out of this experience, be sure to tune in to the Riverfire soundtrack, which is broadcast on Triple M at 104.5FM. South Bank, River Terrace and Captain Burke Park, Kangaroo Point, and Wilson Outlook, Fortitude Valley will have audio systems installed to play Triple M’s broadcast on the evening. 

Riverfire 2024 TV Broadcast

Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust will also be broadcast live on television on Channel 9. This is a great option if you wish to see the displays and music from the comfort of your own home. It is also a great introduction to Riverfire for little kids, who may not cope so well with the crowds and noise of being at the event in person. The broadcast will begin at 6:30 pm.

Weather

Don’t worry if it is raining – Riverfire will still go ahead as planned! There could be other factors that may lead to a delay or cancellation. In this event, visitors will be notified through event listing, Twitter, Facebook, and via Channel 9 and Triple M.

Food and Drink

Food is permitted at Riverfire, however drinking alcohol in public places other than licensed venues is not permitted in Queensland, so remember not to bring alcohol to any outdoor viewing areas. In addition, in some viewing areas such as South Bank, visitors are not permitted to bring glass, metal cutlery, or any liquid in a container that has already been opened, including reusable drink bottles.

Pets

No pets are permitted at South Bank parklands during Riverfire. Remember to keep your pets at home safe during fireworks by ensuring they are indoors with plenty of food and water, with someone to look after them if possible, and with curtains closed and some background music or noise to help distract them from the potentially scary sights and sounds. Please also make sure pets have up-to-date ID tags, just in case they do escape.

Riverfire Safety

When attending popular events such as Riverfire, we must consider safety for our kids in advance. Our awesome resource on keeping kids safe in a crowd offers great tips and techniques, including action plans, photos, phone numbers and useful apps.

Arrival

Get there early to get the best spots for watching this amazing event!

For the full Brisbane Festival program and Riverfire 2024 schedule, click here. 

Is there anything else you would like to know about Riverfire? Ask us in the comments!