Where to watch this year's Riverfire
It’s time to get ready as Brisbane lights up for Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust on Saturday, 5 September 2026, kicking off Brisbane Festival. As the sky comes alive with fireworks, bridges light up with artistic installations and jets thunder overhead, you will feel the electricity of the city as it buzzes with excitement.
Whether you're planning a riverside picnic, booking a rooftop table or stepping aboard a Riverfire cruise, we have put together the ultimate guide to Riverfire viewing spots across Brisbane.
Family-friendly spots
Riverfire is a Brisbane Festival highlight for kids of all ages, lighting up Brisbane on one of the city’s biggest and brightest nights of the year. While any spot along the river is sure to make their eyes light up, Captain Burke Park in Kangaroo Point remains a favourite for families. Located directly beneath the Story Bridge, it offers a playground, plenty of grassy space and a front-row seat to the action. For a prime inner-city location, head to Wilsons Outlook in New Farm - a local favourite. Perched above the Brisbane River and Howard Smith Wharves, it is the perfect spot to watch Riverfire light up The City before heading down to the riverside establishment, where the Pirate Ship Playground is sure to keep the kids entertained for the rest of the night. Further along the river’s edge, a spectacular location is found at City Botanic Gardens where you can watch the Story Bridge light up and fireworks dance across the river – with your little ones more than likely dancing too!
If you are setting up on Brisbane’s Northside, Bartley’s Hill Lookout is a spectacular hidden gem. Tucked away in the suburb of Ascot, it looks over The City skyline, with incredible wide-scale views of the fireworks that are to come. On the other side of the river, Highgate Hill Park is another family-friendly viewing option – with plenty of green space for bites and sips before the show begins. Set high above the city, it is perfect for those who want to catch fireworks from a peaceful green space.
Brisbane icons
Some of Brisbane’s most popular Riverfire viewing spots only require a picnic blanket, snacks, and good company. The most iconic riverside locations offer a buzzing atmosphere alongside the spectacular views as the sky lights up, and the music plays along the Brisbane River.
South Bank Parklands is one of the most popular locations, with festivities running all day long. Be sure to claim your spot early along Clem Jones Promenade, River Quay or the Cultural Forecourt, as these prime positions fill up fast.
The Kangaroo Point Cliffs also offer stunning panoramic views of The City skyline, perfect for taking in the fireworks from above the cliffs. Or walk down the iconic stairs to find a grassy riverside spot to see the sky come to life with colours.
Mount Coot-Tha Lookout is another popular option, located just a 15-minute drive from The City. With sweeping views across Brisbane, it’s a fantastic vantage point to watch the fireworks from above. Atop the lookout, The Summit Restaurant & Bar is also celebrating Riverfire, with guests able to dine on one of the venue's signature taste menus in the restaurant or enjoy a relaxed cocktail-style celebration on the Skyline Terrace while taking in the sparkling city.
Restaurants
The iconic Howard Smith Wharves is one of the most iconic places to celebrate Riverfire in Brisbane. Set beneath the Story Bridge, this lively precinct offers everything from casual eats to premium banquet dining. Tuck into an epic Italian spread at Ciao Papi, settle in at restaurants like Stanley, Greca, Ciao Papi and Yoko for specially curated Riverfire menus, or head to Felons Brewing Co. for a set menu with free-flowing drinks. Follow the tunes to the Barrell Hall for DJ sets or book riverfront seating at Mr Percivals. Sitting above it all, Fiume Rooftop Bar is serving signature cocktails and roaming canapes with the bridge illuminated overhead. With its mix of energy, flavour and location, there is something for everyone along The Wharves.
Greece or Italy? Both are celebrating Riverfire in style. Located side-by-side along the river promenade, Opa Bar & Mezze and Massimo Restaurant & Bar pair riverside dining with an enviable view of the night's festivities. At Opa, choose from two banquet experiences and settle in for an evening of authentic Greek hospitality. Just nearby, Massimo is embracing la dolce vita with two specially curated Italian menus designed just for the night – both venues serving you against a backdrop of fireworks.
Located on top of the Kangaroo Point Bridge, Stilts offers a spectacular and unique perspective of Brisbane’s brightest night. Enjoy luxurious dining with a culinary experience, specially curated by local chefs, flowing drinks and a dedicated Riverfire package, while fireworks illuminate the skyline around you.
Your Mediterranean Riverfire experience is sorted at Babylon, with a range of dining options to suit your celebration style. Inside the restaurant, enjoy phenomenal riverside views, a welcome cocktail, a set menu and live entertainment throughout the night. Or up the ante in the Babylon Gardens, delivering two levels of panoramic viewing spaces, electric party vibes, welcome spritzes, snacks and oysters, plus belly dancers and musicians to bring the celebration to life. No matter which option you choose, you’re in for a full sensory experience from the enticing aromas of your meal to the sights and sounds of Riverfire lighting up the Brisbane sky.
Riverland Brisbane is in the heart of the action – positioned in The City and right on the river's edge, the venue is once again hosting a dedicated Riverfire celebration. The Gold Package includes roaming canapes, live food stations, and uninterrupted views. Add the glow of The City skyline and a front-row seat to the fireworks, and you've got all the ingredients for a memorable night.
Celebrate Riverfire at Queen’s Wharf with a culinary journey that matches the spectacle of the sky. Secure a spot at Sky Deck for an exclusive viewing experience complete with chef-curated canape towers, champagne and cocktails high above the river. Down on The Terrace, Cucina Regina is celebrating in true Italian style with a special three-course menu and beverage package, while Azteca, Black Hide Steak & Seafood and Pompette all offer prime positions overlooking the celebrations. The Landing has free riverside viewing, live entertainment and a buzzing atmosphere, while inside the Casino, floor-to-ceiling windows at Food Quarter give you a unique view of the night's festivities.
This Riverfire, Brisbane Quarter is the place to be for uninterrupted views of all that’s to come. Enjoy a four-course meal at The Lex, a New York inspired grill perched above the river with a first-class view of the fireworks. There's live jazz that melts into the night, plus a classic a la carte menu to explore later in the evening. Persone Italian Restaurant will be serving its signature Italian dishes from an a la carte menu overlooking the Brisbane River, while Tenya is celebrating with a seafood buffet. For those looking to dine before or after the fireworks, make your way to Annamese, Brisbane Phoenix or Phat Boy.
Rooftop bars
If you love to party in the sky, spend the night dancing and sipping cocktails under the fireworks at one of the many rooftop bars in Brisbane. Find high-altitude Riverfire experiences in Fortitude Valley at Iris Rooftop and Soko Rooftop. This year, Soko is transforming into a 'Rooftop in the Jungle', complete with DJs and cocktails. The WET Deck at W Brisbane is another stylish vantage point, alive with a bold design it has elevated riverfront views, creative cocktails and delicious eats to complement your night. Or find luxury in South Bank at Terrace Rooftop Bar where the fireworks shimmer across the mirrored ceilings or watch Riverfire poolside at Lina Rooftop.
Riverfire cruise
One of the best ways to experience fireworks is on the Brisbane River! Step aboard OASIS and watch Brisbane’s biggest night from a stunning three-story vessel cruising along the Brisbane River. Enjoy food, drinks and feel amongst the action as fireworks electrify Brisbane. Secure the ultimate experience with a VIP booth – a private space for your party group and exclusive vantage points on the boat.
