Brisbane Festival kicks off with a bang on Saturday night, when Riverfire — Queensland's largest fireworks display — returns to the river, the ABC reports. Up to half a million people are expected to head to precincts along the Brisbane River, including the public viewing areas at South Bank, Kangaroo Point and Queen's Wharf, for a night of military flyovers, music and fireworks that launches a cultural festival running throughout the month.
The timetable
The aerial program starts well before dark: the C-17A Globemaster III is scheduled to fly over at approximately 4:52pm, followed by the F/A-18F Super Hornet at 5:20pm, alongside an Australian Army ground display and Royal Australian Navy Band performances. The sun sets at 5:35pm — and the fireworks themselves begin at 7pm.
This year's show is set to be bigger than ever, with an additional fireworks barge positioned between the Victoria Bridge and Neville Bonner Bridge. In all, the displays are launched from six barges, five rooftops and two major bridges.
Where to watch
South Bank is the most popular spot — and, as on New Year's Eve, it can fill up early. Its perimeter will be gated with 11 entry points, and the banned list covers water in unsealed bottles, alcohol, tents, marquees and drones. Empty water bottles are allowed and can be filled on site, and free identification wristbands for children and vulnerable people will be available at wrist-banding stations.
Beyond South Bank, the popular vantage points are Kangaroo Point Cliffs, the City Botanic Gardens, Queen's Wharf Brisbane, Captain Burke Park, Howard Smith Wharves, Mt Coot-tha Lookout and Highgate Hill Park. A dedicated accessible viewing area will operate at Kangaroo Point Cliffs, capped at approximately 300 people on a first come, first served basis.
Getting there — without the CityCats
Public transport is the recommended way in, with additional train services running on most lines, key bus routes at increased frequency through the afternoon and evening, and Brisbane City Council shuttle buses between major shopping centres and transport hubs. But the river itself is out: ferries and CityCats won't be available this year because of protected industrial action by ferry workers — no small gap, given about 27,000 people took a ferry to Riverfire last year. TransLink has up-to-date travel information.
Closures to plan around
Roads will close around the CBD, South Bank and the inner riverside suburbs, and roads to Mount Coot-tha and Mount Gravatt shut from the afternoon; the full closure list is on the Brisbane Festival website. The Clem7 will be toll-free between 6:30pm and 8pm. On the bridges: Victoria Bridge closes to vehicles and bicycles from 4pm until 10pm, with pedestrians allowed from 6pm to 10pm except during the show between 6:45pm and 7:30pm; the Goodwill Bridge closes to pedestrians and cyclists from 4pm to 8pm; the Neville Bonner Bridge is restricted from 9am and fully closed from 4pm until 10pm; and all traffic lanes on the Story Bridge close from 6:30pm until 8pm.
One more reason to claim a riverside spot early: the forecast. Saturday in Brisbane is expected to be hot and sunny with a top of 32 degrees — spring arriving all at once, just in time for the city's biggest night on the river.