Riverfire, Brisbane’s iconic fireworks spectacle and a highlight of the Brisbane Festival, returns this Saturday, September 6, lighting up the city’s skyline and riverfront for what promises to be an unforgettable evening.
For the first time ever, this year’s Riverfire will feature “pyro drones”, fireworks attached to drones adding a new dimension to the traditional riverbank pyrotechnics. The fireworks will be launched from 17 different locations, including barges, city rooftops, bridges, and the drones themselves.
When do the festivities start?
The Riverfire air show begins at 4:50pm on Saturday, featuring aerial displays by the Australian Defence Force with aircraft including the C-17A Globemaster III, C-27J Spartan, and two EA-18G Growler jets. Some Brisbane locals might have caught practice runs on Thursday and a warm-up flight today at 12:30pm.
The fireworks display will officially start at 7pm, illuminating the Brisbane River and cityscape.
Best viewing spots and accessibility
South Bank remains a crowd favorite, but the fenced viewing area opens early at 9am and fills quickly. Other great vantage points include Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Howard Smith Wharves, Victoria Park, Wilson Outlook Reserve, City Botanic Gardens, Queen’s Wharf, and Highgate Hill Park.
Accessible seating is available at Kangaroo Point Cliffs, accommodating up to 300 festival-goers, with spots available free on a first-come, first-served basis and bookable in advance.
Queensland Police Service urges caution and planning
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is finalising preparations to ensure the safety and security of the estimated 400,000 people expected in Brisbane during Riverfire, with up to 300,000 anticipated to attend the fireworks viewing venues.
Police encourage everyone to plan ahead and allow extra travel time, as major road, bridge, and cycleway closures will be in place on Saturday. Key bridges affected include Victoria Bridge, Goodwill Bridge, Neville Bonner Bridge, Story Bridge, and Captain Cook Bridge.
Motorists should expect delays and congestion around Brisbane City, Fortitude Valley, Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point, South Brisbane, Mount Coot-tha, Mount Gravatt, and areas along the Brisbane River.
Walkways and cycleways such as Mangrove Walk, The Landing, Eagle Street, and New Farm Riverwalk will also be closed. The Brisbane River itself will be closed to vessels without permits between 5pm and 8:45pm along a stretch from Kinellan Point, New Farm to Mowbray Park, then upstream to the Go-Between Bridge.
Details of closures and timings are available via the Road, Bridge and River Closures for Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust: Brisbane Festival.
Drone restrictions and police presence
The QPS strongly advises against flying drones during the event. Low-level aircraft will be operating throughout the day, and unauthorized drone flights pose significant safety risks to both the aerial display crews and the public.
Police will be monitoring airspace closely and remind attendees to comply with drone safety regulations. More information can be found at www.knowyourdrone.gov.au.
On the ground, extra police patrols will be deployed to maintain public safety. Random bag checks will be conducted, and sharp objects, glass, opened bottles, and cans are prohibited inside parklands. South Bank will also be an alcohol-free zone.
Acting Superintendent Stewart Day, Riverfire Operations Commander, said:
“Public safety is our top priority, and I encourage all attendees to be patient, considerate and respectful towards others. We will have extra officers on patrol to ensure the night flows smoothly. Police will continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to unsafe driving, especially driving under the influence. If you are over the limit, do not drive. We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable Riverfire.”
Transport and parking
Public transport services will be increased, with additional trains running every 15 minutes between 7:35pm and 9:05pm, extra buses, and a special shuttle from Loganholme to South Bank until 5:30pm. Ferry services will pause briefly between 5:45pm and 6:15pm but resume afterward with extra trips.
Buses and trains departing from stations near the festivities after 7:30pm will be free. Due to closures and limited parking, public transport is highly recommended.
Weather outlook
The Bureau of Meteorology predicts a chance of blustery showers early Saturday, clearing by the afternoon. Organizers confirm the fireworks will proceed regardless of weather, the show must go on.