Rooftops, riverbanks and VIP views – where to watch Riverfire in 2025
For most cities, fireworks are synonymous with New Year’s Eve, but in Brisbane, the turning of the year has nothing on Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust. The iconic fireworks display has now moved to the opening weekend of Brisbane festival so the month-long celebration can begin with a bang. Over half a million people turn up each year to witness Queensland’s biggest pyrotechnics. From riviera-inspired city escapes and riverside alfresco dining, we’ve collated a list of the city’s best vantage points. Read on for our top picks …
Lina Rooftop, South Brisbane: The sky-high destination will host an elevated Riverfire soiree complete with uninterrupted fireworks views, flowing champagne, live music and rooftop revelry under the stars. From 5:00–8:00 pm, guests will enjoy a curated three-hour sips package, featuring free-flowing Laurent Perrier Champagne, premium spirits including Grey Goose and Bombay Sapphire, boutique wines, craft beers by Revel Brewing Co., and more. A refined selection of roving canapes will circulate the rooftop – from beef-cheek croquettes with creme fraiche and Italian basil arancini with smoked-lemon pesto, to kataifi prawns, tuna tartare en croute and Malaysian chicken-curry samosas. For an indulgent touch, a seafood station will serve freshly shucked Tasmanian oysters and luxe caviar bumps. Tickets are $225 per person and include food, drinks and entertainment from 5:00 pm. Tickets are limited – be quick to secure your spot.
OASIS Cruising, Brisbane River: If you’re looking to do things a little differently this year, why not ditch the crowds and set sail instead? There’s no better way to take in the city’s most spectacular night than aboard Brisbane’s premier, three-level floating entertainment venue, OASIS. This four-hour Riverfire cruise is packed with perks. There’s free-flowing bubbles, wine and beer, gourmet roaming canapes and music provided by Brisbane’s best DJs who will keep the vibes high all cruise long. From the thunder of the jets to the glittering grand finale, OASIS offers one of the best seats in town for the full Riverfire experience – and it sells out fast. So, rally your crew and book your tickets now.
Rydges Rooftop, Rydges South Bank: Get up close and personal with the fireworks with Riverfire on the Rooftop, where Rydges’ Level 12 rooftop offers 360-degree city views and an exclusive close-up introduction to Brisbane’s most spectacular night. For $65, guests receive a welcome drink on arrival, along with light canapes, live music and cash bar access – everything you need to keep the celebrations rolling well into the night.
Azteca, Brisbane City: Azteca has prime real estate on the riverfront of Queen’s Wharf, offering spectacular skyline views, standout Latin-Asian fare and a vibrant setting to take in all of the fireworks action. Start with snacks like braised short-rib tacos with crispy sweet potato or pinchos of hispi cabbage skewers with ajo blanco, then move on to larger plates like duck breast with aji de gallina, fried yuca, green salad and pickled onion – or the signature pork tomahawk with Cuban mojo and mole. Pair your picks with vibrant cocktails or explore Azteca’s extensive 100-bottle wine list. Tables are limited – book now to secure your Riverfire dinner at Azteca.
Lina Rooftop, South Brisbane | Credit: image supplied
SOKO Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, Fortitude Valley: Escape to the treetops at Soko Rooftop – a lush jungle oasis perched above Fortitude Valley, where bold Peruvian-Japanese flavours, sweeping city views and late-night rooftop energy come together for one unforgettable night under the stars. With front-row seats to the fireworks, diners can indulge in Soko’s share-style menu and over 40 playful pisco sour variations behind the bar. As Riverfire illuminates the skyline, Soko turns up the tempo – with electro-tropical house DJs, flowing cocktails and a rooftop jungle vibe that will roll well into the night. Tables are filling fast! Book your spot now and watch the sky come alive from one of Brisbane’s most vibrant rooftops.
Soleil Pool Bar, Rydges South Bank: Add a splash of fun to your Riverfire with poolside partying at Rydges’ Soleil Pool Bar. Your $20 entry fee goes straight to a bar tab, so you can get the party started with specially crafted cocktails, spritzes and premium drinks on pour. DJ beats will keep the energy high all night long so you can admire the open-air view of the fireworks with a live soundtrack. Take advantage of the bookable booth seating where you can treat yourself to perks like bottle service and front-row seats to the fireworks show. With no crowds and no chaos to spoil the celebrations, Soleil Pool Bar allows you to soak up the thrill of Riverfire from one of the city’s best vantage points.
The Terrace at the Emporium Hotel, South Bank: Escape the crowds at Southbank’s most central rooftop bar for an exclusive night under Brisbane’s iconic light show. Head to the top of Emporium Hotel to find stunning 180-degree views of fireworks, city lights and the Brisbane River at The Terrace rooftop bar. Settle in for the night with a four-hour inclusive package granting you entry to one of Brisbane’s most in-demand rooftops. Once you enter this lavish hideaway, feast on gourmet roaming canapes and charcuterie while you sip from a selection of curated wines, beers and signature cocktails. The Emporium is also offering a tempting stay package on top of its Riverfire ticket with accommodation and breakfast for two, so after a night of sky-high partying, you can enjoy the rest of the night in ultimate comfort.
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Joey’s, Kangaroo Point: Kangaroo Point’s favourite local, Joey’s will be hosting a three-hour prepaid package for you and your mates to watch the sky light up in style. Perched on the Kangaroo Point cliffs, with a 180-degree view and The City skyline as its backdrop, Joey’s open alfresco dining is an ideal viewing point for Riverfire. Check out the website here to book a table.
Blackbird, Brisbane City | Credit: image supplied
Blackbird, Brisbane City: For a Riverfire experience steeped in elegance and elevation, one of Brisbane’s most iconic riverside venues welcomes you to view the annual show from its stunning outdoor terrace. From 4:00 pm, Blackbird’s three-hour bar package grants you front-row seats to the Story Bridge from its 180-degree riverside vista where you can relax with a selection of bites and signature cocktails while the fireworks display takes off. The fireworks might wrap up by nightfall, but after 8:00 pm, the party is just beginning – with free entry, flowing drinks and live DJ sets to keep the dance floor buzzing.
Babylon, Brisbane City: Brisbane’s favourite Middle Eastern restaurant invites you to enjoy its sprawling views of the Story Bridge this Riverfire. While the Babylon Gardens package has sold out, diners can book in for dinner to enjoy a special set menu with a side of fireworks. The menu features signature specialties, all prepared over open flames and charcoal grills, including Turkish-coffee-cured wood-roasted duck and za’atar crusted salmon with pomegranate molasses. Babylon is offering both standard and premium table options for the night’s festivities – the only decision is how big you want to go.
Supernomal, Brisbane City: Bring the month-long celebration to a close with a special Riverfire Banquet at Supernormal. Book in from 4:00 pm and treat yourself to a generous, shared menu that celebrates the arrival of spring produce alongside Supernormal’s most-loved dishes including a delicious peanut butter parfait, salted caramel and soft chocolate for dessert.
Fiume Rooftop, Brisbane City: Prefer a northside viewing? The elevated perch of Fiume Rooftop Bar puts you in the middle of the action in the heart of Howard Smith Wharves. The riverside venue boasts uninterrupted views of the spectacular fireworks display and promises to keep the drinks flowing late into the night. When you book for Riverfire on the Rooftop at Fiume, you’re signing up for a three-hour experience including signature cocktails, sparkling, beers and wine, as well as roving appetisers. If you’re looking to upgrade your night, opt for the VIP add-on to allow access to the exclusive lounge, where freshly shucked oysters and caviar bar are served to your convenience.
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Fridays, Brisbane City: Fire up the group chat and grab a ticket to one of the most sought-after Riverfire locations. The Fridays terrace on Eagle Street is where it will all be happening. For only $65 per person, the venue promises unparalleled views of the fireworks display and an explosive night of fun, drinks and roaming canapes with DJs spinning until late. Ditch general admission and take it up a notch by booking the Waterline Room or Bridge Bar private event spaces.
BŌS, Brisbane City: For a sophisticated dining experience, head to BŌS to enjoy a three-course set menu with a glass of prosecco and full access to the open-air riverfront terrace. There are two seating times available and tickets are selling out quickly here.
Felons Brewing Co. | Credit: image supplied
Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane City: Secure a spot at one of the riverfront venues hosting Riverfire events at Howard Smith Wharves. For comforting Italian food book in at Ciao Papi, for a Cantonese feast head to Stanley, Mr Percival’s for a cocktail or two, hit up Felons Brewing Co. or Felons Barrel Hall for a cold one, and to guarantee an outdoor seat in front of the show, book a table at Greca or Yoko, which are both offering premium packages. Walk-ins are available too if you want to snag a beanbag outside Felons Brewing Co. – be quick!
South Beach Social, South Bank: Get in on the the heart of the action at South Bank’s Southbeach Social. The three-hour premium dining package starts in the early evening so you can catch all the excitement of the ADF’s fighter jets roaring through the city’s shimmering skyline. The experience takes you through to the end of the fireworks, with roaming canapes and sips like wine, bubbles, tap beer and more. Seating is first in, best dressed, so claim your seats early – and leave the kids at home for this 18-plus event.
Cielo Rooftop, Fortitude Valley: Soak up Riverfire from above at Cielo Rooftop. The two-hour event includes a drinks package, seasonal canapes and live DJ sets as the sun goes down. While the fireworks view is partially obstructed, you’ll still be immersed in the buzz – without battling the crowds below.
Stamford Plaza, Brisbane City: There will be no shoulder-to-shoulder or squeezing into packed footpaths at this prime riverside location. For $59 per person, enjoy Riverfire at Stamford Plaza with exclusive access to the viewing area, onsite food and drinks, and an electric festival atmosphere. Elevate your night with a sizzling teppanyaki experience at Kabuki Riverfire Dinner. Adult and kids set menus are available featuring, Japanese-style salmon carpaccio, Aussie lobster tail grilled with lemon soy, marbling Australian wagyu served with sesame sauce and matcha mousse with Adzuki bean to finish. Set the tone and line the stomach for a date night, friend catch-up or memorable night out with the family.
Notable venues which are available for walk-ins include Sunset Rooftop, Iris Rooftop and Maya Mexican. These venues do not have specific ticketed events however will still host live entertainment, food and bar service.
Free viewing spots
Catch the Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust fireworks without wining and dining at free viewing spots including Kangaroo Point Cliffs, City Botanic Gardens, Victoria Park, Mt Coot-tha Lookout, Highgate Hill Park, Captain Burke Park, Wilson Outlook Reserve and Bartley’s Hill.