Where to watch the New Year's Eve fireworks in Brisbane
New Years Eve is fast approaching, and it’s time to start making your plans to celebrate the main event as the clock strikes midnight and the firework spectacular on the Brisbane River begins. No matter how you decide to celebrate, there are many incredible spots around Brisbane that showcase priceless views. Discover our top spots in Brisbane to watch the fireworks sparkle as you celebrate the beginning of a new year!
Find out where you can party into 2026 with live music, food and beverage packages and great views of the fireworks here. From rooftops to riverside, themed parties and packages, be part of the magic as the city lights up the night sky in an awe-inspiring display of fireworks and festivities.
Take your pick of the picnic spots
Pack a picnic and blanket and watch the firework action from Wilson’s Lookout, City Botanic Gardens, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Bartley’s Hill Lookout or Captain Burke Park for a relaxed viewing with the family.
To be in the thick of it, head to the South Bank Parklands which come alive with crowds of people striving for a coveted spot along the Clem Jones Promenade, River Quay and the Cultural Forecourt. Dine at one of the many restaurants or pack your own picnic and set up on the lush greenery.
Perfectly positioned to capture the moment and soak up the atmosphere is the Brisbane Riverwalk, which boasts front-row seats to the Story Bridge so you can watch from directly underneath as the fireworks shimmer and rain down.
15 minutes from Brisbane City, Mount Coot-Tha lookout will give you a complete view of the fireworks and the city lights. Take in the fresh air, pack a picnic and enjoy the light show from one of Brisbane’s best seats in the house.
Watch from the water
Experience the fireworks in one of the most unique ways with Riverlife Adventure Centre, as you make your way on the Brisbane River in a kayak to watch the sky light up. Head out for either the early evening or midnight fireworks with a skilled guide and enjoy this once in a lifetime opportunity.
Dining with a view
Live it up with one of the full celebrations experiences this New Year's Eve. Enjoy food and beverage packages on offer, dress up themes and live music at these party hotspots across Brisbane.
Brisbane City
The Star Brisbane and Queens Wharf, Brisbane City
Discover a night filled with delicious food, buzzing energy and unbeatable views at one of the many restaurants and bars at The Star Brisbane, Queens Wharf. Find Aloria for a multi-course dining menu on the Skydeck, Cucina Regina for a four-course Italian feast and for fresh Japanese cuisine, Sokyo will have an a la carte menu.
Stilts Dining, Brisbane City
Choose between the two seatings for New Years Eve at Stilts Dining and enjoy watching the fireworks from the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge. Toast to the new year above the river and with panoramic views and premium Australian dishes.
Massimo, Brisbane City
Enjoy an a la carte experience from 5pm or settle in from 8pm for one of Massimo’s two indulgent banquets. Perfectly positioned by the water and surrounded by a buzzing atmosphere, it is the ideal place to embark on an Italian culinary journey for the senses.
Opa, Brisbane City
Feast on a Greek banquet at Opa, complimented with uninterrupted river views and a live DJ from 8pm. Choose from one of the two banquet options offering traditional and flavour packed Greek food including a lamb shoulder and lemon patatas.
Babylon, Brisbane City
Wrap up the end of the year with a Mediterranean feast at Babylon as you choose one of the three incredible banquets. Take part in a four- or five-hour seating option in the Babylon Gardens or dine in the restaurant with one of the three tasting menus.
Madame Wu, Brisbane City
Ring in the new year at the newly refurbished Madame Wu with a lively riverside celebration featuring live entertainment, fireworks and sweeping river views. Enjoy a four-hour package with canapés, cocktails, spirits, beer and wine as you count down to midnight in style.
Brisbane suburbs
Perfectly situated under the Story Bridge, your views of the fireworks will be remarkable. If this sounds like something you want to be a part of, there are plenty of dining options for you. Indulge in a lavish Chinese banquet curated by chef Louis Tikaram at Stanley Restaurant. Savour an all-inclusive Italian feast at one of Ciao Papi seatings with a three hour premium beverages package. Enjoy decadent Greek food during one of the three seatings at Greca or a Japanese banquet at Yoko, inclusive of a shared banquet and three-hour drinks package. No matter where you choose to dine, you are sure to have a night to remember.
Otto Brisbane, South Bank
On the river, enjoy some fancy Italian flare during an early evening or main sitting to enjoy the midnight fireworks. Sip on your arrival champagne as you look through the thought-out menu where you can choose your meals for the night. Whether you choose the early evening or main session, the view directly on the Brisbane River is spectacular.
Firma, South Bank
Located on level one of the Emporium Hotel, enjoy a three-course dinner from 5.30pm with a champagne on arrival, or dine into the new year with a five-course menu and drinks package from 8.30pm before getting the opportunity to view the midnight fireworks from level 21.
Popolo, South Bank
A share style set menu, and a three-hour drinks package is awaiting at Popolo in Southbank, whether you choose the early sitting or the one that takes your through till midnight, your belly and heart will be full of good times and delicious food. Think arancini, gnocchi and cannoli paired with Italian vino.
Spend the night
If you want to treat the family to a night out in the city where you can watch the fireworks from the comfort of a hotel room or the convenience of a rooftop pool, there are plenty of family friendly hotels where you can request to book a room with Brisbane River views that will let you catch a glimpse of the fireworks.
Located in the buzzing suburb of South Bank, Rydges South Bank, Courtyard by Marriott South Bank and Hope Street Apartments, put you right by the action. Enjoy sweeping views of the Brisbane River from the hotel room or take a short stroll to the parklands for front-row fireworks views.
Spend New Years Eve in luxury at W Brisbane, Brisbane Marriott Hotel and The Westin found in the heart of Brisbane City all offering premium Brisbane River views. Voco Brisbane and Stamford Plaza are also great spots to view the fireworks from.
Hotel X in Fortitude Valley is a prime location also offering great views from hotel rooms or the rooftop pool and bar. And Crystalbrook Vincent is perfectly positioned by Howard Smith Wharves, directly under the Story Bridge, putting you right by the colourful action.
