Plan your Brisbane NYE 2026
Fireworks times, the run sheet for the night, free Translink travel, road closures, accessibility and what to bring.
Fireworks times & the night's schedule
Times are based on 2024 and 2025. Brisbane City Council publishes the final 2026 program closer to New Year's Eve.
The fenced South Bank viewing area opens (9am in 2025). Bring water, hats and sunscreen: it's usually a hot day.
Road closures start around South Brisbane and Kangaroo Point from about 4pm, then CBD streets from 5pm. Riverside venues open their doors.
Early dinner sittings and family sessions start along the river at South Bank, Howard Smith Wharves and Eagle Street.
The family-friendly early show over the Brisbane River. It was at 7:45pm in 2024 and 2025.
Free Translink travel started at 8pm in 2024 and 2025, and ran until 5:30am on New Year's Day.
In 2025, drone shows lit up the sky over South Bank and Queen's Wharf between the two fireworks displays.
The midnight fireworks welcome 2027, launched along the river (from four precincts in 2025, including Howard Smith Wharves beside the Story Bridge).
Extra trains and ferries take the crowds home. Roads reopen around 2am. Allow plenty of time and stay hydrated.
Getting there: public transport
Public transport is the easiest way to get to and from the river on New Year's Eve. In 2024 and 2025 all Translink buses, trains, ferries and trams were free from 8pm on 31 December until 5:30am on 1 January, with extra trains running between the two fireworks shows and after midnight. South Brisbane, South Bank and Central stations get extremely busy.
- Plan your trip on translink.com.au and check the special New Year's Eve service changes.
- CityCat and cross-river ferries pause while the fireworks are on, and some terminals close for the evening (QUT Gardens Point closed from 4pm in 2024).
- Have a back-up stop in mind. Walking 10–15 minutes to a quieter station or bus stop often saves an hour.
- After midnight, expect queues. Stay for a drink or snack and leave once the first wave has gone.
Road closures & driving
In 2025, streets around South Brisbane and Kangaroo Point, including parts of Grey, Melbourne, Stanley and Ernest streets, closed from 4pm on 31 December until about 2am. CBD streets near the river, including parts of North Quay, Adelaide, George, Elizabeth and William streets, closed from 5pm, and Gardens Point Road was under traffic control from 7:30pm. Victoria Bridge closes to pedestrians during the displays. The South Bank car park needed a pre-booked reservation in 2025. If you have to drive, park well outside the closure zone and finish the trip by public transport.
Boating on the river
The Brisbane River is closed to boats around the launch sites during the fireworks, and private vessels must follow Maritime Safety Queensland and police directions. For most people a licensed NYE cruise or a guided kayak tour is the easiest way to see the show from the water.
Accessibility
South Bank Parklands is largely flat with step-free paths along the riverfront, but it gets very crowded. Arrive early, plan your exit and check the official event page for accessibility information. Many of the riverside venues in our directory have step-free access. Contact the venue to confirm.
Safety & wellbeing
- Drink plenty of water. Brisbane NYE is usually hot and humid, with a chance of evening storms.
- Agree on a meeting point with your group.
- Follow police and staff directions. Areas close when full.
- Look after your mates, and get help from first-aid stations if you need it.
Planning 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.
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.
Selling NYE tickets in Brisbane?
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