Riverfire 2026 – Plan ahead to navigate road, river and walkway closures

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is busy finalising preparations to ensure one of Brisbane’s biggest annual events, Riverfire, is safe and secure for everyone heading out to watch the fireworks spectacle.

Police expect up to 450,000 people to be in the city for the celebration on Saturday 5 September.

Attendees are reminded that major road, bridge, and cycleway closures will come into effect on Saturday, together with some parking restrictions.

Road, walkway and bridge closures:

Impacted bridges include Victoria Bridge, Goodwill Bridge, Neville Bonner Bridge, Story Bridge, and Captain Cook Bridge.

Motorists can expect delays and traffic congestion at road closures in Brisbane City, Fortitude Valley, around the Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point, South Bank, South Brisbane, Mt Coot-tha, Mt Gravatt, and along the Brisbane River.

Impacted cycleways, walkways and viewing points include Clem Jones Promenade, Mangrove Walk, The Landing, Eagle Street and the New Farm Riverwalk.

The Brisbane River will be closed to vessels without a permit from 5pm to 8.45pm on Saturday evening between Mowbray Park, East Brisbane and upstream to the Go-Between bridge.

Attendees are encouraged to allow extra travel time.

Details of the exact closures and timings can be found at Road, Bridge and River Closures for Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust – Brisbane Festival.

Drone usage not permitted in event venue:

Don’t be tempted to use your drone to capture footage of the aircraft and fireworks displays.

There will be low-level aircraft operating in the area during the practice days and event.

Flying your drone is strictly prohibited in the event venue areas at any time, as it may pose a significant risk to both permitted aircraft and spectators.

Queensland Police will be monitoring the airspace, so keep yourself, the aerial display crew, and spectators safe by leaving your drone at home.

For more about drone safety rules visit www.knowyourdrone.gov.au.

Police patrols on the night:

The Brisbane Major Events Planning Unit (MEPU) is well-versed in planning and preparing for major events, and Riverfire is no exception.

MEPU began planning for this year’s event following Riverfire 2025.

Public safety and minimised community disruption remain our top priorities.

Extensive traffic management plans will be in place and extra police will patrol throughout the event.

Security will be conducting random bag checks – no sharp objects, glass, opened bottles or cans will be permitted inside the parklands.

Attendees should never, under any circumstances, leave bags unattended in a public place.

Riverfire spectators should drink responsibly and only within designated areas.

Remember South Bank will be a fenced-off alcohol-free zone. Further information about prohibited items in the South Bank event zone is available at Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust.

Police will continue to have a zero-tolerance for unsafe driving practices, with a key focus on driving whilst under the influence. If you are planning on drinking during Riverfire festivities – organise safe travel plans in advance.

Riverfire Operations Commander, North Brisbane District Acting Chief Superintendent Simon Tayler, encourages attendees to remember that Riverfire is a family-friendly event.

“Public safety is our top priority. I encourage all attendees to be patient, considerate and respectful towards others,” Acting Chief Superintendent Tayler said.

“Extra police will be out on patrol and managing road closures throughout the event to ensure the night flows smoothly. Any anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.

“Our crews on the ground will be supported by Water Police patrolling the Brisbane River, and officers managing event logistics from our State Police Operations Centre (SPOC).

“We want for everyone who chooses to celebrate Riverfire to have a safe and fun experience.”