Brisbane Festival Brisbane gets underway with a bang on Saturday, September 3. This year’s Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust will feature more than 11 tonnes of fireworks, firing from 15 locations along the Brisbane River.
With so much pyrotechnics, it’ll be the most spectacular start to the Brisbane Festival you will ever see! The whole show will also be synchronised to an incredible soundtrack chosen by kids of Brisbane through the Festival’s ‘Songs of the Sky’ competition.
If you’re heading to the Brisbane Riverfire, but aren’t sure where to get a good view, we have you sorted. Here are our hot tips on the most stellar spots for Brisbane Riverfire on Saturday, September 3.
Stellar CBD viewing for Brisbane Riverfire
Kangaroo Point
The best spot for panoramic viewing is along River Terrace at Kangaroo Point. You’ll also get great views from the Kangaroo Point Cliffs. Getting up high allows you to see the fireworks as they burst over the city. It’s quite spectacular. It is also hugely popular.
There will be a dedicated viewing platform at Kangaroo Point for anyone with a disability and for their companions and carers. You will need to pre-book your place for a spot.
Along the riverfront
The City Botanic Gardens or the BOQ Festival Gardens at South Bank are ideal locations to view the displays and fireworks. River Quay is also a stellar location to catch the action. You can arrive early and spend your time enjoying a picnic. Alternatively, book into one of the nearby restaurants — Popolo, Aquitane, The Jetty South Bank etc. — for a delicious meal.
There is also Streets Beach, which is a great spot if the spring weather turns a bit warm or if the kids are getting a bit ratty while they wait. It’s a short walk to food outlets where you can grab lunch or dinner and other refreshments. It’s certainly a popular spot for families each year! Southbeach and Southbank Beer Garden overlooking Streets Beach and the Brisbane River are offering special dining packages.
A friendly word of advice though, South Bank is arguably the most popular destination for Brisbane Riverfire. The venue is fenced for public safety and is only accessible until it reaches capacity. Queensland Health’s COVID-19 Safe Events Framework manages this. If you want to secure your spot along the riverfront, arrive early; gates open at 9am!
Captain Burke Park or Wilson’s Outlook
Nestled at the base of the Story Bridge’s imposing south pylon is Captain Burke Park. It makes for a striking outlook from which to view the Brisbane Riverfire. You’ll find a maritime themed playground and a grassy expanse for the kids to run around. It connects directly to the riverfront walk and bike path to South Bank, and is sure to be busy.
Overlooking the northern end of the Story Bridge is Wilson’s Outlook. The reserve is one of Brisbane’s best secret parks. It has spectacular views of the river and the Story Bridge. Come Riverfire it will be a popular spot and given it’s capacity, you should consider arriving early if you want to see the displays and fireworks from here.
See the fireworks from the suburbs
If you want to avoid the Riverfire crowds, but still want to experience the fireworks with your family, then we think these suburban spots are the best.
Get your friends together, pack the snacks and head off to:
- Mount Coot-tha Lookout
- Stuartholme Road, Bardon
- St Brigid’s Church, Red Hill
- Plucks Road, Arana Hills
- Camelia Avenue, Everton Hills
- Collins Road, Ferny Hills
- Bilsen Road, Wavell Heights
- Zeehan Street and Rode Road, Wavell Heights
- Eildon Hill Reservoir, Windsor
If you’re on the southside, try:
- Camp Hill Bowls Club on Ferguson Road, Camp Hill
- Old Cleveland Road, Coorparoo
- Forbes Street, Hawthorne
- Dornoch Terrace and Hampstead Road, Highgate Hill
- Mount Gravatt Lookout
- Holy Trinity Church, Woolloongabba
Are you heading to Riverfire this year? What other events will you take the kids to during Brisbane Festival?
You might also like…
Everything you need to know about the RAAF’s Riverfire flyover rehearsals
Brisbane Festival 2022: Activities for families to enjoy
