Pyrotechnics And Waterside Oyster Bars: How To Make The Most Of Your Riverfire Night
It's almost that time again. Brisbane Riverfire is kicking off on Saturday 5 September, with huge fireworks displays lighting up the sky and setting the Brisbane River ablaze for the start of the annual Brisbane Festival.
The pyrotechnic extravaganza launches supernovas and shimmering light displays by Foti Fireworks above the river and from rooftops before crowds of wide-eyed fans—providing serious New Year's Eve energy. There's also live entertainment and a rocking soundtrack, creating a city-wide party you won’t want to miss.
Here's the lowdown on the top places to eat, drink and party during Riverfire.
Babylon Brisbane
145 Eagle Street, Brisbane City
Image: Babylon Brisbane | Supplied
Brisbane’s premier Persian-inspired venue, Babylon, is the perfect spot for a Riverfire evening, with Middle Eastern elegance and enviable bankside views. For $110pp, enjoy a cocktail on arrival, a special set menu for the evening and live entertainment. Or, upgrade for a balcony or window seat with a full view of the fiery action.
If you want to go extra, book Babylon Gardens for two levels of panoramic views and electric party vibes. Start the evening with a refreshing apricot spritz, then a full two-hour drinks package, accompanied by a bougie oyster bar and luxe snacks like lamb kofte, haloumi skewers and chocolate tahini tartlets, all while belly dancers and musicians perform around you. $120pp is your ticket to the Persian party.
Riverland
167 Eagle Street, Brisbane City
Image: Riverland | Supplied
Where else but Riverland for an excellent Riverfire vista? This three-tiered waterfront terrace is precisely the place to watch fireworks ignite the water and flash over Story Bridge, drinking and snacking your way through an unforgettable evening.
Go for the Gold package ($139pp) for two hours of free-flowing house bevs as you nibble on canapés and feast on Riverland’s Queensland flavours at the food stations. More of a VIP? You’ll need the $250pp VIP Sky Deck experience for unparalleled Riverfire views and exclusive bar access. Canapés and fine cuisine are still on the menu, but this package gets you the primo vino and spirits and a welcome Riverland spritz.
Port Office Hotel
40 Edward Street, Brisbane City
Image: Port Office Hotel | Supplied
If you’re looking for more of a before-and-after-party, the Port Office Hotel is your first port of call. Start the night with a pre-fireworks Riverfire Reef & Beef. That’s a luxe 300g Wagyu rump and Queensland tiger prawn drizzled in a confit garlic sauce, with fries and a light rocket, candied walnut and cranberry salad. Pair with a little vino and treat yourself.
For something more casual, hit the public bar for a gastro-pub feed, with snacks like mushroom arancini with truffle aioli, honey mustard chicken wings and duck spring rolls, or classic fare like parmi, burgers and bangers and mash. Perfect spot to bring the whole family.
You’re just a short walk from some of the finest firework views. Then, when the show’s over, the bar’s open for good times, with DJs on from 9pm.
Riverside Arms
Riverside Centre, 123 Eagle Street, Brisbane City
Image: Riverside Arms | Supplied
Keep it casual with a pre-show pub hang. Bring your friends, bring the kids, Riverside Arms is made for great gatherings. The menu mingles old-world British-style pub with Australian twists, like shaved beef Yorkie sliders or bubble and squeak fritters with bush tomato relish. Grab a pint and settle in for fish and chips, steak and ale pie or a Middlesbrough Parmy with bechamel and cheese. But you absolutely have to save room for the ever-popular sticky toffee pudding.
This is where the fun begins, with live music from 5.30pm. Take your time, relax, then head out into the night for the fireworks. You can always come back for a nightcap and catch the DJs.
Retro’s Brisbane
32/321 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
Image: Retro's Brisbane | Supplied
Retro's Brisbane is all about the after party, friends. When the fireworks are over, but you’re still buzzing and burning to move your body, it’s time to kick on in the Valley. DJs hit the decks from 8pm for a late night of throwback tunes. Disco balls are spinning, cocktails are flowing, everyone’s here to have a good time and dance for as long as they can.
Want free entry? Just join the guest list online and get in free of charge before 10pm. Then the night’s whatever you make of it—and maybe that includes a fishbowl cocktail.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by The Pass and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why, read our editorial policy here.
Image credit: Supplied