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It’s that time of year again. The time where the skies light up over Brisbane and its famous river. Riverfire Brisbane is taking over the Brisbane River (or the Brown Snake as the locals affectionately call it) for one night only, setting fire to the sky from barges, bridges, and city rooftops.
Under the fireworks, the world is your oyster. Will you use it for fun? A fling? Or romance? Find out the best vantage points, food spots, tips, and more in this ultimate guide to Riverfire Brisbane 2024.
History of Brisbane Festival and Riverfire
Although Brisbane Festival only officially emerged in 2009, Brisbane has been celebrating its heritage since 1961. Back then, it was called The Warana Festival and its purpose was ‘entertainment for the people, by the people’. A much loved staple in locals’ lives, The Warana Festival showcased writers, pageanty, art, as well as various sporting, outdoor, and religious activities.
As time moved on, so too did the festival. After the World Expo of 1988, it was time for a festival face-lift. By mid-1990, renewed ambitions required a new approach and Brisbane Festival was born - but not like you know it today. In 1996, the Brisbane City Council and the Queensland Government launched the Brisbane Festival to foster the arts as a biennial festival.
It was two years later in 1998 that Brisbane City Council created River Festival as an 10-day annual event. A river-based cultural celebration, it was led through community engagement focusing on art, sport, sustainability, and environmental science. The two standouts of this new festival were the International Riversymposium with an environmental awareness focus, and Riverfire.
Finally in 2009, the two Brisbane festivals combined to create a large annual festival for the arts. The youngest major annual Australian arts festival, Brisbane Festival holds its own on the world stage and is ignited yearly by the famous Riverfire fireworks display.
Fireworks Locations and Schedules
Ready to get ahead of the crowds this Riverfire Brisbane? Get in the know with this list of best fireworks viewing spots and the Brisbane Festival 2024 and Riverfire schedule.
Brisbane Festival Schedule
Well we all know Brisbane Festival starts with a bang at 7pm on Saturday 31, August with Riverfire. But what happens next?
It just keeps banging.
Cabaret, theatre, music, comedy and more, the 2024 line-up is a true dedication to the cultural roots of the Brisbane Festival. From the get-go Opera Queensland are presenting Straight from the Strait – a powerful Torres Strait Island musical sure to knock your socks off.
If you want to learn more about wine, comedian Merrick Watts has your guide to new wines paired with new jokes. On a learning curve? Follow up your new-found wine knowledge with free choir, visual arts, and dance workshops.
Zero fizzlers. All fire. Check out the full Brisbane Festival schedule here.
Best Vantage Points
Despite what you might hear, you don’t need to fight the masses to score the best spots for Riverfire Brisbane. Knowing where to go for the ultimate vantage points for the big show isn’t just local knowledge. Sometimes the best spots are the obvious ones.
Check out these vantage points for Riverfire Brisbane 2024 so you can see the fireworks without having to push your way through the crowds.
Wheel of Brisbane: Be the Eye in the Sky
Often overlooked, the Wheel of Brisbane is the place to overlook everyone else. Rising 60 metres above the South Bank crowds, the Wheel of Brisbane puts you in the skies as they light up.
Rainy? Chilly? Windy? No problem for those in an air-conditioned gondola with the best seats in town. The Wheel of Brisbane will make your evening not only unforgettable, but comfortable too.
Secure your spot on the Wheel of Brisbane for Riverfire now.
Streets Beach, Southbank: Cool Off Under the Fireworks
Make a day of Brisbane before a night of wonder at Streets Beach in Southbank. September is known to bring in some warmer days so make the most of the sun before it sets at this riverside beach.
Soak up the sun with the sand and surf in the middle of the city. Then throw out a towel and save your spot for when the show begins after dark. Scoring one of the best seats in town for Riverfire Brisbane isn’t always luck, it’s preparation.
Howard Smith Wharves: Watch from Under the Bridge
Set yourself up for the best night out at the Howard Smith Wharves precinct. Located under the Storey Bridge in the centre of Brisbane, this culture and dining precinct can offer you a table, and a coveted seat, at some of Brisbane’s best restaurants.
Eat, drink, and be merry under the fireworks by the river. It’s no wonder this is a popular spot for visitors and locals alike for the grand opening of the Brisbane Festival.
River Terrace and Cliffs at Kangaroo Point: Get Close to the Action
The stunning Kangaroo Point region of Brisbane is a no-brainer for Riverfire Brisbane. Atop the ancient cliffs, you’ll be able to look directly down onto the river, or across to the fireworks launching from the CBD rooftops.
Down below the cliffs, the Kangaroo Point River Terrace hugs the river all the way around to under the Storey Bridge opposite the Howard Smith Wharves. Here in the riverside parklands, gather the crew for a BBQ or picnic under the fireworks and gaze out at the marvel of Brisbane.
Whether you want a top view or river view, the Kangaroo Point Cliffs or River Terrace is unbeatable.
Our hot tip, if you’re wanting to drive in, go early and book a council carpark before time.
The Rambla Rooftops: Play Where You Stay
Want a skyhigh spot without having to leave home? Rambla @ South/City/SQ, and the soon to be opened Rambla @ Berwick House are exactly what you’re looking for.
Perched on top of each Rambla is a rooftop terrace and pool perfect for kicking back and watching the sky while the crowds rush to the riverside. Cheers to views on the house.
Book your stay at a Rambla Brisbane location now to play where you stay this Riverfire.
Travel and Transport Tips
You want your Riverfire Brisbane experience to be enjoyable from start to finish. The best way to ensure that happens, is to plan. Here are our top tips for making the most Riverfire travel and transport.
Get in Early
If you are planning on venturing into the city for the show, the best thing you can do is to get in early. Beating the crowds may seem like the obvious choice, but we know sometimes time slips away from us in the fun that’s had before the fireworks.
Keep yourself accountable by booking an early table at your favourite restaurant, setting an early meeting point for your group, or just making a day of it in the city.
That way, no matter if you’re driving, bicycling, walking, or using public transport you’ve put yourself on the right path to a great night out.
Know Your Way Out
You’ve had an incredible night filled with fun and frivolity, now for the hard part… getting home. In Brisbane, public transport is your best friend. The Brisbane City Council goes above and beyond to help get you home without a hiccup.
Yes, you heard that right. If you’ve ever needed a better reason to catch public transport know that you don’t have to pay a dime if you’re heading into Riverfire Brisbane.
For more information about Riverfire public transport, visit the TransLink website or call 13 12 30 closer to the event.
Stay Close to the Scene
Want to skip the crowds and head straight to bed? A Rambla location is ready and waiting for you.
Stay close to the action at a Rambla Brisbane location. Rambla @ South/City/SQ is just a half an hour walk from Kangaroo Point, and Rambla @ Perry House is a short CityCat and walk away from the CBD.
Snuggle up into bed sooner than you think and wake up refreshed for the Brisbane Festival the next day. Stay at a Brisbane Rambla location this Riverfire festival.
Where to Eat During Riverfire
You can’t enjoy Riverfire 2024 on an empty stomach. While there’s more than enough food to go around, these venues are serving up food close to the action so you don’t have to miss a single firework.
Soleil Pool Bar: Swim Above Southbank
If you want the relaxing Southbank beach vibes without the crowds, head up to Soleil Pool Bar.
Sip their signature cocktail range as you float above Southbank. All you need is $20 to secure your spot, which will be applied as a bar tab on the night.
Want to take your night up an extra level? Enjoy the VIP treatment with premium service and a complimentary charcuterie board for your group when you book the VIP package, then dance the night away with live music and entertainment.
Welcome in the Brisbane Festival in style at Soleil Pool Bar.
Greca: A Front-Row Firework Feast
At the Howard Smith Wharves, Greca is putting on a show for the fireworks. Their jaw-dropping Greek menu has waterfront tables waiting for you this Riverfire. With options to book your table for two-hours or for the whole night, Greca is giving the people the front-row feast they deserve.
Choose your package and table inside, outside, or on the mezzanine now for Riverfire Brisbane 2024.
Lina Rooftop: Sky-High Vibes
180-degrees of luxury rooftop bar and dining, Lina Rooftop is upping the ante this Riverfire. This year, Lina Rooftop is offering an all-inclusive three-hour premium drinks and food package at their exclusive Fortitude Valley venue. Dine on duck, porcini, beef tartare and more while the streets get rowdy below.
It’s time to party the night away with roving canapés, drinks, live entertainment, and DJs for the 2024 Riverfire. Space is limited so book in with Lina now.
Bonus Riverfire Tips
Traffic Changes: Keep an Eye on the Roads
While the majority of the firework action is on the river, some thoroughfares will be closed during Riverfire Brisbane. Based on past years, the main road closures will affect Brisbane City, Kangaroo Point, South Brisbane, and Fortitude Valley.
The best way to avoid getting stuck in a dead-end is to walk or trust the professionals and opt for public transport. If you choose to drive, check out the Brisbane City Council’s full list of Riverfire Brisbane 2024 road closures closer to the event.
Bathroom Breaks: Know Where to ‘Go’
Busting for a toilet break? Optimise your time away from the show by knowing where to go. Believe it or not, the Government has you covered with this map of public toilets across the city.
By forward-planning and knowing your break points, the only thing you’ll need to worry about is whether or not there’s paper handy.
Brisbane Riverfire FAQ
TLDR? Here’s some rapid fire FAQ’s for the fast-paced Brisbane Festival and Riverfire reader.
What is the Purpose of The Brisbane Festival?
The purpose of the Brisbane Festival is to celebrate the best and brightest art and culture scene in Brisbane. From its roots in 1961, the Brisbane Festival has always aimed to foster the arts.
How Long Does the Brisbane Festival Last?
Starting with Riverfire on Saturday 31 August, 2024 the entire Brisbane Festival lasts 23 days. During the festival, venues across Brisbane host a huge amount of arts, music, fashion, theatre, comedy performances and more. You can see the Riverfire schedule and entire Brisbane Festival program here.
What Date is the Riverfire in Brisbane?
Riverfire Brisbane is Saturday 31 August, 2024 with fireworks starting from 7pm.
What is the Biggest Festival in Brisbane?
Brisbane Festival is the most famous festival in Brisbane. After a long history of cultural importance, Brisbane Festival is proudly the youngest major Australian arts festival.
Further Reading: Have more than one night to stay and enjoy Brisbane? Discover the city’s epic nightlife here.
