Brisbane’s night sky was set ablaze on Saturday as thousands packed the riverbanks, bridges and rooftops for the city’s annual Riverfire spectacular.

Fireworks burst over the Story Bridge and across the skyline in a 20-minute show that drew gasps and cheers from the tightly packed crowds. For the first time, drones released fireworks directly above the bridge, creating a dazzling mid-air display.

Picnic blankets dotted Howard Smith Wharves, riverside restaurants overflowed with revellers, and families camped out along the river to secure the best vantage points hours before the 7pm start.

“It’s my first Riverfire and I couldn’t believe the atmosphere,” said Laura Ayala, who arrived from Spain eight months ago. “The colours, the energy, the people, it’s unforgettable.”

The pyrotechnics weren’t the only attraction. Earlier in the day, Australian Defence Force fighter jets thundered overhead, sending rumbles through the CBD as crowds craned skyward to catch a glimpse.

For Steve Hastie and his family, who recently moved from New Zealand, securing a riverside table felt like striking gold. “We missed Riverfire last year, so this feels really special. The kids loved it,” he said.

While the night was a spectacle, getting home proved the toughest part of the evening. Long queues formed at South Bank and South Brisbane stations, with some passengers facing waits of over an hour. Volunteers helped direct foot traffic, though many commuters complained of confusion with missing signage.

Despite the transport snarl, the 2025 Riverfire will be remembered as one of the city’s most vibrant nights of celebration.