Want to know what is happening with Riverfire in Brisbane in 2025? The great news is Brisbane’s most spectacular fireworks show and family day-out Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust, will be back in all its glory this year!
- What is Brisbane Riverfire?
- Brisbane Riverfire 2024 date
- Riverfire this year
- Best places to watch Riverfire Brisbane 2024 fireworks
- Riverfire schedule
- Food and drink at Brisbane River Festival 2024
- Riverfire road closures and changes during the event for 2024
- Riverfire flypast rehearsal times 2024
- ADF Display – F18’s, Globemaster and ‘dump and burn’ information
- Best parking for Riverfire
- Riverfire Cruises
- Brisbane Riverfire tips for first timers
- Where to stay for Brisbane Riverfire
- Riverfire is fun for the whole family
- Did you know?
What is Brisbane Riverfire?
Brisbane Riverfire is an epic fireworks show held to celebrate the opening night of the Brisbane Festival.
It’s been around for a while, originally to celebrate the end of the Brisbane Festival, then it was scaled back and then turned into a lights show during 2020. But no matter when it’s been held, it’s always drawn a crowd.
Brisbane Riverfire fireworks show lasts for about 20 minutes and runs from ~ 7.05pm – 7.30pm and can be seen all over the city. It’s one of our favourite things to do in Brisbane each year. We normally see Riverfire at South Bank, but keep reading.. there are lots of places to see the Brisbane Festival fireworks!
Brisbane Riverfire 2025 date
The date for Riverfire 2025 is Saturday 6 September.
For this explosive Festival event, you can tune into Triple M’s live broadcast or Channel 9’s exclusive television coverage.
Riverfire this year
The Brisbane River fireworks 2025 will be an incredible display of fireworks and will light up the Brisbane skyline from multiple city rooftops, barges and bridges. Ahead of the pyrotechnics, the Army Aviation team will demonstrate their flying prowess.
Watch this space to find out what time the Brisbane River fireworks are on!
Fired by Foti Fireworks from Brisbane’s bridges, barges and city rooftops, crowds can tune into Triple M’s live broadcast or Channel 9’s exclusive television coverage as Brisbane’s iconic skyline comes to life.
Expect the entire city to be very crowded all day, as people wait hours to get the best viewpoint. The fenced South Bank area will open at 9am.
Best places to watch Riverfire Brisbane 2025 fireworks
The best places to watch the Riverfire 2025 fireworks for free are:
- South Bank
- Kangaroo Point cliffs
- Captain Burke Park
- Wilson’s Lookout
- City Riverwalk including the Eagle St Pier and Riverside Centre
- Wilsons Outlook, Bowen Terrace, Fortitude Valley
Note that the South Bank area is fenced and they do close it off once it reaches capacity. This area opens up at 9am and will likely fill up several hours before the event.
Read our detailed article – Best places to see Brisbane Festival fireworks 2025 – see our detailed list of vantage points to see River Fireworks Brisbane here.
Best places to see Riverfire for people with limited mobility
Best access points for Riverfire if you or a family member have limited mobility are South Bank, Eagle Street Pier, Riverside Centre and Captain Burke Park.
As in previous years, Brisbane Festival will establish a dedicated accessible viewing platform at Kangaroo Point for people with disabilities and their companions. Booking for these areas is essential. You can find the booking form in the FAQ section of the Brisbane Festival website.
Riverfire schedule
Check back for the Riverfire 2025 schedule.
Food and drink at Brisbane River Festival 2025
There are plenty of places to buy food and drink during Riverfire. We usually eat in South Bank since that’s where we watch the show but here are a list of options that are near the fireworks.
- OTTO – South Bank
- Medley – Kangaroo Point
- Massimo – on the riverside boardwalk at the Riverside Centre across from the Storey Bridge
- The Jetty – South Bank
- Greca – Howard Smith Wharves
- Yoko Dining – Howard Smith Wharves
- Crystalbrook Vincent – Howard Smith Wharves
- Little Miss Sunshine in the CBD
You can see the best South Bank restaurants here.
However, you can always pack your own picnic to save money.
Don’t bring any glass bottles, soft drink bottles with broken seals or water bottles as these will be confiscated by security. South Bank is alcohol-free.
Riverfire road closures and changes during the event for 2024
The following road closures and changes apply for Riverfire 2024.
Check back for road closures and changes for Riverfire 2025.
Victoria Bridge
- Saturday 31 September from 4pm till 10pm Victoria Bridge will be closed to buses. Buses will be diverted to William Jolley Bridge.
- Western footpath (museum side) closes from 4pm to 9:30pm (or as directed by police).
- Victoria Bridge Monument closes between 4pm and 9pm.
Goodwill Bridge
- Closed to pedestrians and cyclists between 4pm and 8pm.
Neville Bonner Bridge
- Restricted access to pedestrians from 9am. Fully closed to cyclists all day. Closed from 4pm to 10pm.
Story Bridge
- Two city-bound traffic lanes close on Wednesday 28 August from 11pm until 5am, Thursday 29 August from 8pm until 5am, Friday 1 September and again on Sunday 3 September between 5am and 10am.
- Western footpath (city-side) closes to pedestrians on Thursday 29 August from 8pm until 10pm Saturday 2 September.
- Eastern footpath (dockside side) closes to pedestrians from 6:30pm to 8:00pm on Saturday 31 August.
- No pedestrian access on the Story Bridge from 6:30pm until 8pm on Saturday 31 August.
- All traffic lanes close from 6:30pm until 8:00pm on Saturday 2 September.
Captain Cook Bridge – Riverside Expressway
- The inbound lanes (north bound) of the Captain Cook Bridge may close between 7pm to 7pm on Saturday 31 August via a controlled vehicle movement, visit the Brisbane Festival website in late August for up-to-date information of this closure.
- The outbound lanes (south bound) always remain open but operates at a reduced speed with police patrols monitoring traffic flow and responding to any incidents.
- Please visit the Brisbane Festival and Transurban website in August for up-to-date information on tolls.
Riverfire flypast rehearsal times 2024
- Thursday 29th August
- 12.30pm
- C17 and ARH Tiger Helicopters
- Friday 30th August
- 12.30pm
- F/A 18 Hornet
ADF Display – F18’s, Globemaster and ‘dump and burn’ information
The event will see the return of the much-loved Australian Defence Force display as the Royal Australian Airforce marks 100 years of service to Australia. There will be a flyover from a C17A Globemaster, EA-18G Growler and Army Tiger Helicopter. ADF displays will be from 4.55pm but are subject to change due to operational requirements.
There will not be a dump and burn this year. The last F-111 dump and burn was in 2010. The practice, which started in 1998, was stopped because the planes replacing the F-111s did not have the ability to do a dump and burn.
Best parking for Riverfire
Our recommendations for the best parking for Riverfire are dependent on what part of the river you wish to view the fireworks from. However, these are our suggestions:
- South Bank carpark
- West End carpark
- Howard Smith Wharves
- QLD Museum parking
- Treasury Casino
Accessible car parking is available behind The Gardens Club (entry via Gardens Point Road).
Expect to pay between $30 and $60 for parking.
You can find all of our parking recommendations here.
Riverfire Cruises
A family cruise on the Brisbane River offers an unbeatable front-row seat to the spectacular Riverfire event, with breathtaking views of the fireworks lighting up the skyline. It’s a stress-free way to enjoy the show, avoiding the crowds while creating lasting memories together on the water.
- Oasis Cruising
- Aria Cruises
- Dolphin Wild Island Cruises
- River To Bay
- Moreton Island Adventures
- Brisbane Whale Watching
- Brisbane Riverfire Cruises
- Australian Cruise Group
Brisbane Riverfire tips for first timers
If you’ve never attended Riverfire before, you’re in for a true treat. Here are some tips and things you should know in advance.
- Get there early. Like New Year’s Eve, get there early if you want to secure the best spots to catch the Riverfire extravaganza. South Bank is fenced off for the event and access will be closed once it’s full.
- Use public transport if possible. Plan your evening around public transport as limited parking and road closures will make taking your car difficult. Most carparks in the city predict that they’ll be full from 11am on the day. There’ll be plenty of extra trains and buses running on the night.
- Be aware of South Bank rules. South Bank is an alcohol-free event for Riverfire. Please do not bring pets, bikes and scooters, drink bottles with broken seals (including bottles of water or soft drink), glass or alcohol to South Bank. These items will be confiscated by South Bank security staff.
Where to stay for Brisbane Riverfire
Riverfire attracts people from across the country – not just within Brisbane! If you’re looking for a hotel during Riverfire, here are a few options:
Rydges Hotel South Bank – Rydges is one of the closest hotels to the South Bank parklands, which is perfect if that’s where you plan to view the fireworks show. The hotel is perfect for families and offers some incredible views too. You can even see the fireworks from certain rooms!
We wrote about our stay at Rydges Hotel South Bank here.
Novotel Brisbane South Bank – Novotel is another great option for Riverfire accommodation. It’s on the affordable side, is in a great location, and offers spacious rooms.
We wrote about our stay at the Novotel here.
Hotel X in Fortitude Valley – this hotel has a view of the fireworks from their rooftop bar and pool area.
Read about our stay at Hotel X including a video of our rooms and the view from the rooftop.
Best hotels with a view of Riverfire
As well as our suggestions of hotels above, these hotels have awesome views of Riverfire. Best to book early and ask about a ‘room with a view’ when you make your booking so you are not left disappointed!
- Stamford Plaza Brisbane. Stamford is an upscale option right on the riverfront. Because of their prime viewing location, they actually host several different Riverfire events.
- Oaks Brisbane Casino Tower Suites
- W Brisbane
- Emporium Hotel South Bank
Best apartments with a view of Riverfire
- Meriton Suites Adelaide Street, Brisbane
- Meriton Suites Herschel Street, Brisbane
- Ivy and Eve Apartments by CLLIX
- Atlas Apartments by CLLIX
Riverfire is fun for the whole family
Riverfire 2025 will be one of the biggest fireworks displays that Brisbane has seen and is sure to be an amazing night for the whole family.
For more information on Riverfire Brisbane, visit www.brisbanefestival.com.au. Remember to bookmark our page for all the updated Riverfire 2025 date and times!
Did you know?
Riverfire is sometimes called the Brisbane Fire Festival.
Are there going to be Fireworks from the Story Bridge? I’ve heard that there isn’t due to a complaint from Howard Smith Warves.
I’ve got tickets to watch from the Jazz Club and it would be quite disappointing if this is now the case.
What time is the practice flyover on friday
Hi Zac,
I’ve been in touch with our Sunsuper Riverfire contact and she has advised that the RAAF Super Hornets will be doing their practice flypast at 1pm on Friday September 27.
Are the RAAF doing a practice prior to the event? What day and time is it?
Hi Raquel,
I’ve been in touch with our Sunsuper Riverfire contact and she has advised that the RAAF Super Hornets will be doing their practice flypast at 1pm on Friday September 27.
Hi Janine. In 2019 you replied to a Raquel saying “Hi Raquel, I’ve been in touch with our Sunsuper Riverfire contact and she has advised that the RAAF Super Hornets will be doing their practice flypast at 1pm on Friday September 27.”
Is there any chance your contact could let us know the same information for the RAAF’s pre-Riverfire practice runs in 2023? And even, whether the C-17 Globemaster might be having a practice run as well as the Super Hornets?
My wife and I would love to catch the daytime practices before braving Riverfire itself – much easier to see in daytime, and fewer crowds!
Hi Michael, We’ve reached out to our contacts and these are the rehersal times (however, please be aware they are subject to change):
Thursday 31 August 12:30pm Army Aviation Helicopter Rehearsals – Victoria Bridge Friday 1 September 12:30pm C17A Globemaster Rehearsals – Victoria Bridge 12:50pm EA-18G Growler Jet Display Rehearsals – Victoria Bridge
Many thanks, Karen – fantastic work! My crew will be stoked that the C17A is also due to make an appearance as part of the practice runs on the Friday.
One fiddly query: I note all practice runs are stated in terms of when they plan to pass Victoria Bridge, on the South Brisbane Reach of the river…
I don’t suppose your contacts can confirm if those practice runs will include a run down the Town Reach (the part of the river from the city Botanic Gardens up to the Storey Bridge)?
Only asking as we were planning on watching the Friday practices from the edge of the Town Reach of the Brisbane river – on what’s left of the boardwalk near the Riparian Plaza building – not over near Victoria Bridge!
Hi Michael, You’re very welcome. I reached out to Brisbane Festival and they’ve told me that Town Reach would not be the best place to watch the flyover practice, unfortunately. I hope you’re able to get to see them.
Seeing the practice runs for 2032 from behind the Riparian Plaza building was fine – all 3x fixed-wing planes flew, albeit a tad higher than in previous years and almost 20 minutes late! Should be great show for the families braving the crowds for the main event tomorrow night. Thx again for your help Karen!
You’re welcome. I hope you enjoyed the big night too!
Surely there’s been enough fires. Wouldn’t it be amazing if Brisbane Riverfire was cancelled for 2019 and the astronomical amount of money that is wasted on fireworks donated to rural communities that are struggling to survive?
With the kick Mother Nature has dished out to regional and rural Queensland since the beginning of the year, I believe there is greater need in the state than a night of extravagant fireworks. It really serves no purpose apart from entertaining city dwellers. Given the very real struggles communities are having, such as the floods earlier this year in the north, Clifton with no fuel in town, whole towns like Stanthorpe and Warwick almost without water, and the most horrific bushfire season this state has ever seen, there are more worthy causes than an evening of fireworks.
Just a thought.
The state government is currently working hard to help. And we can too! They are announcing drought and fire relief and support packages DAILY.
The new areas that have been activated are today:
Noosa Shire Council
o Peregian Beach
o Marcus Beach
Sunshine Coast Regional Council
o Peregian Beach
o Peregian Springs
o Peregian Breeze Estate
o Weyba Downs
This is in addition to the suburbs and towns of Applethorpe; Binna Burra; Beechmont Township; Canungra; Sarabah; and Illinbah (Tabletop road only) that were activated for Emergency Hardship Assistance grants on Sunday (8 September).
A community recovery hub has been established and will open tomorrow (Thursday 12 September) at the Peregian Beach Community House, 255 David Low Way (Cnr Woodland Drive) Peregian Beach. It will be open from 9am – 5pm daily.
Other grants such the Essential Household Contents Grant, Structural Assistance Grant and Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Grant are also available to eligible residents who are uninsured and have experienced certain loss or damage following this disaster.
If you would like to offer assistance by volunteering please contact Volunteering Queensland and register your interest at emergencyvolunteering.com.au.
To donate funds, goods or services to the ‘Queensland Fires 2019 Appeal’ visit the GIVIT website at givit.org.au/disasters.
People who are experiencing hardship due to the bushfires can download and use the Self-recovery app, go to their website or contact the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 to apply for grants or for further information.
We would love a great opportunity to win this prize. Makes me feel like a kid again and you forget about everyday problems.
Riverfire! … Moved here from Sydney 14 years ago but never been! Would love to take my 3 Queenslander kids along!
Would love to watch Riverfire live. Awesome atmosphere, better then on tv. Great night out with the hubby 🙂
Beacause i have never been and would LOVE TO FINALLY GO! ??
This would be amazing to show my girls while we are here on holiday!!
I missed the river fire cruise I booked last year due to an operation so would love to go this year!!
We’d love to go and have a great family evening with the kids (aged 3.5yrs and 5.5yrs) to celebrate our Brissie river. Perfect weather for an arvo play at Southbank, followed by a kid friendly dinner and fireworks. Can’t get better than that ???
Have promised my kids that one day we will make it to #SunsuperRiverfire and see the magic by the river. Always enjoy watching on the TV – but this year would love to be right in on the action.
We love Riverfire. Best fireworks and kids love the helicopters too.
My family would love this and my youngest has never been. ??
since having our daughter 5 years ago we stopped going.My daughter has yet to experience this amazing spectacular. She would love it#SunsuperRiverfire