📍 Brisbane City · Howard Smith Wharves
Fiume Rooftop NYE at Crystalbrook Vincent
A rooftop party above Howard Smith Wharves with front-row views of the fireworks launched beside the Story Bridge. 2026 tickets are already on sale.
Thursday 31 December 2026 · Brisbane River
New Year's Eve Brisbane 2026
New Year's Eve Brisbane 2026
fireworks, parties & dinners
The best NYE events in Brisbane in one place: river cruises, fireworks dinners, rooftop parties and every vantage point from South Bank to Kangaroo Point. Compare, choose and book your night to welcome 2027.
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until the midnight fireworks over the Brisbane River
Early showFamily fireworks, 7:45pm in 2024 & 2025
MidnightMain fireworks along the Brisbane River
FreeSouth Bank entry, plus free Translink from 8pm (2025)
40bookable dinners, cruises, parties & experiences
Every Brisbane NYE 2026 event in one directory
Filter by type, area or budget. Every listing shows what's included, which fireworks you'll see and a direct booking link.
📍 South Brisbane
Lina Rooftop New Year's Eve
A South Brisbane rooftop that bills itself as having Brisbane's best panoramic fireworks view. Standing canapé-style party with limited tables.
📍 South Bank
New Year's Eve at OTTO South Bank
Refined Italian on the South Bank riverfront, with a family-friendly early sitting and a long four-course dinner that rolls towards midnight.
📍 Kangaroo Point
NYE Brisbane at Riverlife
A riverside party at the foot of the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, looking straight across the river to the city and the fireworks.
📍 Brisbane City · Howard Smith Wharves
Mr Percival's NYE Party
The over-water bar under the Story Bridge, where the fireworks go off right in front of you. One of Brisbane's most sought-after NYE tickets.
📍 New Farm · On the River
See Moreton NYE Midnight Cruise
A four-hour midnight cruise on the Brisbane River aboard the Spirit of Mulgumpin, with the fireworks seen from the water.
📍 Hamilton · On the River
MV Lady Brisbane NYE Fireworks Cruise
One of the few family-friendly NYE cruises on the river, departing Hamilton with child pricing and a secured spot for midnight.
📍 Kangaroo Point
Riverlife NYE Kayak Experience
Watch the fireworks from a kayak on the Brisbane River with a guide. Swimmers only, and no drinking before you paddle.
📍 South Bank
Lord Mayor's New Year's Eve Fireworks at South Bank
Brisbane's official free New Year's Eve celebration. South Bank is an alcohol-free site on the day, with bag checks and a list of banned items.
📍 Brisbane City · Howard Smith Wharves
Stanley New Year's Eve
Cantonese fine dining in the heritage riverfront building beneath the Story Bridge, with an early family sitting and a late sitting into midnight.
📍 Brisbane City · Howard Smith Wharves
Ciao Papi NYE
Family-friendly Italian by the river for the early fireworks, then an all-inclusive adults-only sitting for midnight.
📍 Brisbane City · Howard Smith Wharves
Felons Brewing Co. NYE
The brewery at the heart of Howard Smith Wharves, with a set menu and drinks package, plus walk-in lawn space if you don't book.
📍 Brisbane City · Howard Smith Wharves
Felons Barrel Hall NYE
A Thai feast with front-row riverfront seating at Howard Smith Wharves, one of the closest spots to the fireworks.
📍 Brisbane City · Howard Smith Wharves
Greca New Year's Eve
A much-loved Greek restaurant under the Story Bridge, with three NYE sessions from sunset to midnight.
📍 Brisbane City · Howard Smith Wharves
Yoko New Year's Eve
Japanese dining on the Howard Smith Wharves riverfront with sunset and midnight banquets and a premium outdoor option.
📍 Brisbane City · CBD & Eagle Street
Riverland NYE Celebrations
A big riverside bar party on the Eagle Street waterfront with a four-hour package and fireworks over the river.
📍 Brisbane City · CBD & Eagle Street
Blackbird New Year's Eve
Riverside Centre steakhouse with two ways to see in the new year: a long cocktail party or a five-course tasting menu.
📍 Brisbane City · CBD & Eagle Street
Babylon Brisbane NYE
Levantine share plates and a garden party on the river at Eagle Street, one of the better-value riverside options.
📍 Brisbane City · CBD & Eagle Street
Supernormal Brisbane NYE Banquet
Andrew McConnell's Asian-inspired restaurant on the Brisbane River, with an NYE banquet and what it calls uninterrupted fireworks views.
📍 Brisbane City · CBD & Eagle Street
WET Deck NYE at W Brisbane
A poolside deck party at W Brisbane on North Quay, looking over the river towards South Bank and Queen's Wharf.
📍 Brisbane City · CBD & Eagle Street
New Year's Eve at The Star Brisbane
Several NYE options across the Queen's Wharf casino precinct, from family dinners on The Terrace to Sky Deck cabanas. Every 2025 session sold out.
📍 Brisbane City · CBD & Eagle Street
Persone New Year's Eve
Italian dining with big river views at Brisbane Quarter on George Street, close to the Queen's Wharf fireworks.
📍 Brisbane City · CBD & Eagle Street
Donna Chang NYE Banquet
A glamorous Sichuan banquet on George Street in the CBD, with lion dancers and a kids price.
📍 South Bank
Popolo NYE
Italian feasting on the River Quay boardwalk at South Bank, right where the fireworks launch.
📍 South Bank
The Jetty South Bank NYE
Riverside dining at South Bank with a family sitting for the early fireworks and an adults-only sitting for midnight.
📍 South Bank
River Quay Fish NYE
Seafood on the South Bank riverfront with two sittings, a drinks package and half-price tickets for under-18s.
📍 South Brisbane
Bacchus South Bank NYE
Award-winning hotel dining a short walk from South Bank Parklands, with an NYE tasting menu and wine pairing.
📍 Kangaroo Point
Story Bridge Adventure Climb NYE
See the fireworks from the top of the Story Bridge itself. Previous years offered an early family climb and a midnight climb.
📍 Kangaroo Point
Story Bridge Hotel NYE
Brisbane's famous heritage pub at the foot of the Story Bridge. 2026 NYE details are not yet published.
📍 New Farm
Mary Mae's NYE by the River
A relaxed riverside party at the Powerhouse in New Farm. The 2026 event is on its way; join the waitlist for first access.
📍 Fortitude Valley
Cloudland NYE
The Valley's spectacular multi-level venue, with a garden, lounge and rooftop all in one NYE ticket.
📍 Fortitude Valley
Soko Rooftop NYE
A lush jungle-themed rooftop in the Valley with Nikkei food stations and a four-hour drinks package.
📍 Fortitude Valley
Iris Rooftop NYE
A Mediterranean-style rooftop above the Valley, with a long drinks package and food stations through to midnight.
📍 Toowong · Inner West
The Regatta: NYE Around the World
Brisbane's grand riverside pub runs several themed NYE parties and dinners under one roof, from cheap entry to a five-course dinner.
📍 Paddington · Inner West
Lefty's Music Hall: Bigger Than Texas NYE
A boot-scootin' honky-tonk party on Caxton Street. The cheapest fun night in town if you don't need a fireworks view.
📍 Mt Coot-tha · Inner West
New Year's Eve at The Summit Mt Coot-tha
Dinner at the top of Mt Coot-tha with the whole city laid out below you, and the fireworks small but complete on the horizon.
📍 Hamilton · Northside & Bayside
Byblos NYE Banquet
A lively Lebanese banquet on the river at Portside Wharf, with drummers, a DJ and a price for kids.
📍 Manly · Northside & Bayside
RQYS New Year's Eve Family Night
Billed as the biggest family NYE party on the bayside, at the yacht club overlooking Manly Harbour's own fireworks.
📍 South Bank · On the River
River City Cruises NYE Early Fireworks Cruise
An early-evening river cruise from South Bank that catches the early fireworks and has you back on land before 10pm.
📍 Brisbane City · On the River
OASIS Brisbane NYE 2026 River Party
A three-level party boat leaving the City Botanic Gardens for the midnight fireworks on the Brisbane River. 2026 tickets are on sale.
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Your NYE 2026 in Brisbane, hour by hour
Timings are based on 2024 and 2025 and are confirmed by Brisbane City Council closer to the night. Use this to plan when to arrive, eat and move.
Full planning guide →Morning
The fenced South Bank viewing area opens (9am in 2025). Bring water, hats and sunscreen: it's usually a hot day.
Afternoon
Road closures start around South Brisbane and Kangaroo Point from about 4pm, then CBD streets from 5pm. Riverside venues open their doors.
Early evening
Early dinner sittings and family sessions start along the river at South Bank, Howard Smith Wharves and Eagle Street.
Early fireworks
The family-friendly early show over the Brisbane River. It was at 7:45pm in 2024 and 2025.
8:00pm
Free Translink travel started at 8pm in 2024 and 2025, and ran until 5:30am on New Year's Day.
9pm & 11pm
In 2025, drone shows lit up the sky over South Bank and Queen's Wharf between the two fireworks displays.
Midnight
The midnight fireworks welcome 2027, launched along the river (from four precincts in 2025, including Howard Smith Wharves beside the Story Bridge).
After midnight
Extra trains and ferries take the crowds home. Roads reopen around 2am. Allow plenty of time and stay hydrated.
Best Brisbane fireworks vantage points
Free riverfront spots, lookouts and limited-capacity areas to watch the Brisbane New Year's Eve fireworks, with what you need to know about each one.
| Vantage point | Area | View | Entry | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clem Jones Promenade & Riverside Green | South Bank | Front row to the river | Free | Official hub; alcohol-free site with bag checks |
| Cultural Forecourt & River Quay | South Bank | City skyline across the river | Free | Recommended by South Bank; Brisbane sign area closed in 2025 |
| Kangaroo Point Cliffs | Kangaroo Point | Elevated view of the CBD and river | Free | Hugely popular; arrive by late afternoon |
| Queen's Wharf | Brisbane City | Right on the river | Check entry | Free but limited capacity, first in, in 2025 |
| City Botanic Gardens | Brisbane City | River bend towards Kangaroo Point | Free | Big lawns for picnics; close to Translink |
| Captain Burke Park | Kangaroo Point | Under the Story Bridge | Free | Story Bridge and Howard Smith Wharves fireworks up close |
| Eagle Street riverwalk | Brisbane City | Story Bridge views | Free | Next to riverfront bars and restaurants |
| Howard Smith Wharves lawns | Brisbane City | Beside the Story Bridge | Check entry | Walk-in lawn spaces at some venues; book for guaranteed seats |
Find your kind of NYE
🍽️ NYE dinners with fireworks views
From $89 riverside feasts to $330 four-course dinners at OTTO and Howard Smith Wharves.
Browse dinners →🛥️ Brisbane River NYE cruises
See the fireworks from the water, from early cruises to midnight party boats.
Browse cruises →🎉 NYE parties & rooftops
Howard Smith Wharves, Kangaroo Point, Eagle Street and Valley rooftops.
Browse parties →👨👩👧 Family-friendly NYE
Free South Bank fireworks, early sittings, family cruises and bridge climbs.
Browse family events →New Year's Eve Brisbane 2026: FAQ
What time are the Brisbane New Year's Eve fireworks in 2026?
Brisbane has two main fireworks shows over the Brisbane River on Thursday 31 December 2026: an early show for families and the midnight show to welcome 2027. In 2024 and 2025 the early fireworks were at 7:45pm, and in 2025 Brisbane City Council added drone shows at 9pm and 11pm and launched fireworks from four river precincts: South Bank, Queen's Wharf, Howard Smith Wharves and the Riverside Centre. Council confirms the 2026 times closer to the night, so check before you go.
Where is the best place to watch the Brisbane fireworks?
South Bank Parklands is the official hub. Clem Jones Promenade, Riverside Green, the Cultural Forecourt and River Quay are the recommended spots. Other popular free vantage points are the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, the City Botanic Gardens, Captain Burke Park under the Story Bridge, the Eagle Street riverwalk, Wilson Outlook Reserve and, for a full skyline panorama, the Mt Coot-tha Lookout. For a guaranteed spot, book a riverfront dinner, party or NYE cruise.
Are the Brisbane NYE fireworks free to watch?
Yes. The Lord Mayor's New Year's Eve Fireworks at South Bank are free and you don't need a ticket. South Bank has bag checks and a banned-items list (glass, alcohol, sharp items, unsealed drinks, scooters, bikes, pets, marquees and large structures). Queen's Wharf also had free, limited-capacity viewing in 2025 on a first-in basis.
How much does a New Year's Eve cruise on the Brisbane River cost?
Published 2026 prices start at about $200 for an early fireworks cruise and run to about $240–$300 per adult for midnight cruises with food and drinks. MV Lady Brisbane offers child tickets, while most other NYE cruises are 18+. Boats sell out, so book early. See our Brisbane NYE cruises list.
Where can I have dinner with a fireworks view in Brisbane?
Howard Smith Wharves (Stanley, Greca, Yoko, Ciao Papi and Felons), River Quay at South Bank (OTTO, The Jetty, River Quay Fish and Popolo) and the Eagle Street riverfront (Blackbird, Supernormal and Babylon) all sit right on the river. Early sittings run from about $99 to $215pp and are cheaper than late sittings. See our NYE dinners in Brisbane list.
What time should I arrive at a free vantage point?
In 2025 the fenced South Bank area opened at 9am, and the best riverfront spots fill through the afternoon. Areas close once they reach capacity, and in 2025 the area around the Brisbane sign at the Cultural Forecourt was closed. Kangaroo Point Cliffs and the City Botanic Gardens are popular too, so arrive by late afternoon for a good patch of grass.
Is there free public transport on New Year's Eve in Brisbane?
In 2024 and 2025 all Translink buses, trains, ferries and trams were free from 8pm on New Year's Eve until 5:30am on New Year's Day, with extra trains between and after the fireworks. Ferries pause while the fireworks are on, and some terminals close for the night (QUT Gardens Point closed from 4pm in 2024). Check translink.com.au for the official 2026 arrangements closer to the date.
Can I bring alcohol to the Brisbane fireworks?
Not to South Bank. South Bank Parklands is an alcohol-free site on New Year's Eve, except for people dining in a licensed restaurant or bar. Drinking in public places is generally not allowed in Queensland, and glass is banned at South Bank. If you want a drink with your fireworks, book a licensed venue, party or cruise.
What are the best family-friendly NYE options in Brisbane?
The early fireworks at South Bank are made for families, so you can see a full show and be home before midnight. Family-friendly bookings include the early sittings at OTTO, Stanley, Ciao Papi and The Jetty, River Quay Fish's kids pricing, the MV Lady Brisbane cruise (children 4–17), the Story Bridge Adventure Climb's early family climb and the RQYS Family Night in Manly.
Is NYE in Brisbane the official Brisbane New Year's Eve website?
No. NYE in Brisbane is an independent guide and event directory. The official event is the Lord Mayor's New Year's Eve Fireworks, produced by Brisbane City Council at South Bank. We bring together official vantage-point information and bookable dinners, cruises and parties so you can plan the whole night in one place.
How do I list my New Year's Eve event on NYE in Brisbane?
It's a one-off $599 fee with no commission. Your event gets its own optimised page, a place in our directory and category pages, and a direct link to your booking page. List your event here.