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Brisbane’s New Year’s Eve celebration is one of Australia’s premier year end events. For 31 December 2025, the city again stages the Lord Mayor’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks, with multiple displays, drone shows and a host of public transport and city adjustments to manage one of the busiest nights of the year. This guide provides detailed insights on where to watch, how to travel and what to expect from traffic conditions across the city.
What Is the Lord Mayor’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks Event
Brisbane’s official NYE show remains free to the public and takes place along the Brisbane River at multiple precincts. This event has grown to become one of Queensland’s flagship New Year celebrations. For 2025, the theme is “City of Dreams”, featuring a colourful array of pyrotechnics and aerial drone shows. The displays are staged from six barges strategically located on the river to create a sweeping skyline spectacle. There are also two drone shows earlier in the evening, before fireworks.(source: Brisbane City Council)
Program Summary
• 7 45 pm Fireworks – Family friendly early show.
• 9 00 pm Drone Show – Around 200 drones create themed animations visible from select locations.
• 11 00 pm Drone Show – Second drone sequence before midnight.
• Midnight Fireworks – The main fireworks display to welcome 2026.
Each fireworks segment is choreographed and lasts approximately 10 minutes, but with the drone shows and build up around venues, the whole event spans several hours.
Best Viewing Locations for NYE Fireworks Brisbane
Brisbane’s riverbank and skyline serve as a backdrop to the celebrations. Some spots are naturally more popular and practical for large crowds, while others offer quieter vantage points.
South Bank Parklands
South Bank is the core fireworks hub with direct riverside views. The Clem Jones Promenade, Cultural Forecourt, Riverside Green and River Quay are recommended viewing spots within the parklands. South Bank also has cafes and takeaway food stalls open for the evening, so you can plan an extended arrival well before the first fireworks.(Visit South Bank)
South Bank is a family-friendly area that fills quickly, and officials usually enforce an alcohol-free policy in open areas unless you are dining at a licensed venue.
Queen’s Wharf Brisbane
This central precinct offers excellent views across the river and is a key location for both the drone and fireworks shows. The promenade and viewing platforms here are scenic and well connected to transport.
Howard Smith Wharves
Under the Story Bridge, Howard Smith Wharves provide a vibrant riverfront environment with bars and restaurants, and you can watch fireworks over the water from multiple vantage points if you arrive early.(Howard Smith Wharves)
Riverside Centre and Eagle Street Precinct
This area across the river from South Bank combines open plazas with river views. Elevated spots near Riverside Centre give a broader perspective of the skyline lighting up.
Other Recommended Spots
For a less congested experience but still with quality views, consider:
• Captain Burke Park – under Story Bridge with water views.
• Kangaroo Point Cliffs – elevated vantage for skyline shots of fireworks.
• City Botanic Gardens – leafy surroundings with river sightlines.
• Victoria Park at Barrambin – open space with broad city views.
• Mt Coot-tha Lookout – for panoramic skyline viewing away from the river crowd.
Note: Victoria Bridge and Kangaroo Point Bridge are not available for viewing during the fireworks displays due to crowd management and safety restrictions. Police will direct pedestrians away from these structures on the night
Traffic, Road Closures and Parking Changes
To manage safety and crowd flow, Brisbane City Council enforces extensive road closures and parking changes during the NYE period. These start several days before the event and extend into the early hours of New Year’s Day.
Road Closure Timings
Closures begin at various times from 29 December 2025 through to 6 am on 1 January 2026, with the most significant closures on 31 December from late afternoon to around 2 am. Roads around the city, South Bank, South Brisbane and the CBD will be closed to vehicle traffic, including:
• Russell Street (South Bank).
• Little Stanley Street.
• Grey Street.
• Fish Lane.
• William Street and George Street stretches.
• Elizabeth Street and adjacent city arteries.
• And several others linking into the precincts.
Diversions will be clearly signed and staffed by traffic controllers. Motorists should plan alternative routes well in advance and avoid the areas entirely if possible.
Parking Adjustments
From 8 pm on 29 December to 6 am on 1 January, parking signage and restrictions change across the CBD, South Brisbane, Grey Street, Tribune Street, Stanley Street and more. Always check local signs before parking, as enforcement will be active. Public car parks may have access changes and booked entry only near event areas.
Public Transport and Travel
Given the closures and expected crowds, public transport is strongly recommended. Brisbane’s transport authority provides special services on NYE to help move large numbers of people efficiently.
Translink Services
• Free travel on Translink buses, trains, ferries, CityCats and trams from 8 pm on 31 December 2025 until 5 30 am on 1 January 2026. This includes additional services to key areas near fireworks viewing points.
• Trains run at regular intervals to South Bank and Roma Street with frequent services, and extra services operate post-midnight to assist with departures.
• Ferries and CityCats operate at increased frequencies, with CityCat services running approximately every 15 minutes until early morning.
Check the Translink website and journey planner closer to the event for the most up to date service patterns and platform information.(Translink)
Tips for Public Transport
• Plan your return journey ahead of time and be prepared for crowds on trains and ferries immediately after midnight.
• Stations near South Bank and Roma Street will be extremely busy. Allow extra time to board safely.
• If you live outside the Brisbane metro area, consider catching an early evening train or bus to avoid peak crowds.
Safety, Essentials and Practical Tips
Arrive Early
Because the most popular viewing points fill early, aim to arrive by late afternoon or early evening if you want space to sit and relax before the first show.
Bring Essentials
This is a night event with extended hours, so pack water, snacks, sunscreen if arriving before sunset, and something warm for later hours. Be mindful of council rules about alcohol in public spaces.
Follow Instructions
City marshals, police and event staff will be positioned across precincts to guide pedestrians, direct traffic and help with emergencies. Obey all instructions for your safety and those around you.
Look After Children and Belongings
With large crowds and noise, ensure children stay close and have identification on them. Keep personal items secure.
Suggested Itineraries
Family Friendly Evening
• Arrive around 5 30 pm at South Bank.
• Picnic and dinner at Clem Jones Promenade.
• Catch the 7 45 pm fireworks.
• Head home soon after or stay for the drone shows later.
Riverfront Celebration with Dining
• Book a riverfront restaurant at Queen’s Wharf or Howard Smith Wharves.
• Dinner with views before fireworks.
• Enjoy the midnight countdown and river lights.
Photographer’s Guide
• Scout spots at Kangaroo Point Cliffs or Mt Coot-tha in the afternoon.
• Capture sunset and skyline.
• Switch to South Bank for the first show, then back to elevated spots for the midnight finale.
Brisbane’s NYE fireworks are a spectacular way to welcome 2026. Careful planning around transport, road closures and ideal vantage points will make your night more enjoyable and stress free. Always refer to official sources and event pages for the latest updates before you head out.
Disclaimer 2
This article is based on publicly available official information at the time of writing. Details such as timings, road closures, public transport arrangements and event specifics can change. Readers should always check the Brisbane City Council, Translink and event organisers’ official websites or contact them directly before finalising plans.