Kangaroo Point will offer some of the most prominent elevated views of Riverfire, with the cliffs and riverside parks giving spectators different perspectives across the Brisbane River, Story Bridge and city skyline.
Riverfire will be held on Saturday, 5 September, with Royal Australian Air Force flyovers scheduled between 4:45 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. and the fireworks beginning at 7:00 p.m. The event opens Brisbane Festival and is free to attend.
The cliffs offer the broadest elevated view
Kangaroo Point Cliffs are among the official viewing locations promoted for Riverfire and provide an elevated outlook over the Brisbane River. The height of the cliffs gives spectators a wider view of the city skyline and fireworks display than many riverside locations at ground level.
The area is also one of the event’s more popular vantage points, so space is expected to be limited as the afternoon progresses. Spectators planning to watch both the aircraft displays and the fireworks will need to arrive well before the 7:00 p.m. start if they want a position along the cliff-top viewing areas.
Captain Burke Park gives a closer river-level alternative
Captain Burke Park, beneath the Story Bridge, provides a different viewing experience for people who prefer to stay closer to the river.
The park is another official Riverfire viewing location and offers a more enclosed setting beneath the bridge, with views across the river towards the city. Compared with the cliffs, the park sits at a lower elevation and provides a closer river-level perspective rather than a wide panoramic outlook.
Choice of location will largely depend on whether spectators prefer an elevated skyline view from the cliffs or a closer position near the Story Bridge and riverfront.
Accessible viewing is available at Kangaroo Point Cliffs
A dedicated accessible viewing area will operate at Kangaroo Point Cliffs for people with access requirements and their companions.
Brisbane Festival says capacity is limited to about 300 people and places are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bookings are available through the festival’s accessibility program.
The location is designated for patrons who require accessible viewing, making Kangaroo Point the main officially identified accessible Riverfire viewing area.
Road closures will tighten access around the cliffs
Several roads around Kangaroo Point will close during the day, affecting direct access to the most popular viewing areas.
Lower River Terrace and Kangaroo Point Cliffs Drive will close from 6:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., while Holman Street will be closed from 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. River Terrace and several streets connecting it with Main Street will close from 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Temporary no-standing and tow-away restrictions will also apply to streets including Holman Street, River Terrace, Main Street and Lower River Terrace from Friday evening through Saturday night.
Walking routes will also face restrictions
Pedestrian and e-mobility access around Kangaroo Point will change during the event. Brisbane City Council has advised that river-adjacent walkways in Kangaroo Point will have speed and parking restrictions for e-mobility devices.
The Kangaroo Point Bridge will also close from 6:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., removing one pedestrian link between the suburb and the CBD during the period surrounding the fireworks.
For spectators deciding where to stand, the cliffs offer the widest elevated outlook, while Captain Burke Park provides a closer riverside setting beneath the Story Bridge. Access restrictions around both locations mean the best position may depend as much on how spectators plan to arrive and leave as on the view itself.
Riverfire opens three weeks of Brisbane Festival
Riverfire marks the opening weekend of Brisbane Festival, but the citywide program continues well beyond Saturday night. Brisbane Festival runs from 4–26 September, with theatre, music, dance, installations, family activities and free events scheduled across Brisbane, including a substantial program at South Bank. Events range from Bright Nights, running throughout the festival, to concerts, workshops, community celebrations and performances at Festival Village.
Published 4-Sept-2026
