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, the 12am fireworks on the Brisbane River. There are so many incredible spots around Brisbane showcasing priceless views, so to pick only one can be tricky. Discover our top spots to see the fireworks sparkling as you celebrate bringing in the new year!
Celebrate in style at a rooftop bar
Watch the colours burst at one of Brisbane’s iconic rooftop bars! Dance the night away and sip on your favourite cocktails as you watch the colourful display of fireworks from new heights.
Fortitude Valley is rife with dazzling rooftop venues like Fiume, Ceilo, MAYA Mexican and Iris which feature spectacular views and delicious signature drinks.
Visit South Bank and party from atop the Emporium Hotel at the Terrace Bar. Dance on the glowing LED floors and watch the fireworks glimmer across the mirrored walls and ceilings. Or, pop to neighbouring suburb, South Brisbane, and watch the fireworks poolside at Lina Rooftop. Bring your togs and enjoy a dip in the pool while you’re there!
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 vying for a coveted spot along the Clem Jones Promenade, River Quay and 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 way with Riverlife, as you make your way on the Brisbane River in a kayak to watch the sky light up. Head out for either the 8.30pm or midnight fireworks with the guide and enjoy this once in a lifetime opportunity.
Dining with a view
Live it up with one of the full celebration experience this New Year's Eve. Enjoy food and beverage packages on offer, dress up themes and live music at these party hotspots across Brisbane. Not wanting to party, but looking for a feast and fireworks views? We have done the research for you and found some of the best dining deals with a view.
Otto Brisbane, South Bank
On the river, enjoy some fancy Italian flare during an early evening sitting or the 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 pick the stracciatella, tortellini and tiramisu or the crudo di pesce, spaghettini and cioccolato, you will not leave disappointed.
Popolo, South Bank
A share style set menu and a three-hour drinks package is awaiting at Popolo on Southbank, whether you choose the early sitting or the one that takes your through till midnight, your belly and heart will be full from the good times and delicious food. Think arancini, fettuccini and cannoli paired with Aperol Spritz or an Italian wine.
Massimo, Brisbane City
Enjoy an a la carte experience from 5.30pm or from 8pm for one of the three delicious banquet options at Massimo. Situated perfectly on the water and surrounded by a bussing atmosphere, you can enjoy on an Italian culinary journey for the senses. Choose from the Banuet Al Bar, Grande Banquet or Premio Banquet for a night of good food and celebrations.
Opa, Brisbane City
Feast on a Greek banquet at Opa, complimented with uninterrupted river views and a live DJ from 8pm. Enjoy the a la carte menu from 5pm to 7.45pm or embark on your culinary journey with one of the banquet options starting from 8pm till late. Choose from the Adonis banquet, Dionysus banquet or Thalia Banquet for a Greek style New Years Eve celebration.
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 two-hour seating from anytime between 5pm to 10pm and catch incredible views of the fireworks at either 8.30pm or midnight.
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 Ciao Papi with premium beverages served for three hours. Enjoy decadent Greek food at Greca inclusive of a shared banquet and three-hour drinks package. Or choose Yoko to tantalise you taste buds with a Japanese banquet menu and three-hour beverage package. No matter where you choose to dine, you are sure to have a night to remember.
Spend the night
If you want to treat the family to a night out in the City where you can watch the fireworks from your hotel room or a rooftop pool, there are plenty of family friendly hotels where you can request to book a room with Brisbane River views. Located in the vibrant suburb of South Bank is, Rydges South Bank, Courtyard by Marriott South Bank and Hope Street Apartments, all offering Brisbane River views from the hotel rooms. Voco Brisbane, W Brisbane and The Star Grand in Brisbane City and Hotel X in Fortitude Valley are in prime locations and also offer great views from the hotel rooms if you want to watch the fireworks from the comfort of your hotel bed.
