Brisbane prepares for Riverfire 2026 fireworks and crowd management

Brisbane is preparing for the Riverfire fireworks spectacle on Saturday, September 5, 2026, with an expected attendance of up to 450,000 people. To manage the crowds, significant transport and safety measures have been implemented.

Major road, bridge, and cycleway closures will affect several key locations, including the Victoria, Goodwill, Neville Bonner, Story, and Captain Cook bridges. Motorists should anticipate congestion in Brisbane City, Fortitude Valley, Kangaroo Point, South Bank, and surrounding areas. The Brisbane River will be closed to unauthorized vessels from 5:00 pm to 8:45 pm between Mowbray Park and the Go Between Bridge.

Public transport will be heavily supplemented, with Queensland Rail scheduling 80 extra services. Free bus travel will be available at select stations between 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm, and free train travel will be offered at South Bank, South Brisbane, Roma Street, and Central stations. Additionally, tolls on the Clem7 will be waived between 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm.

Authorities have issued a strict ban on drone usage within the event venue due to low-level aircraft operations. Furthermore, South Bank will be designated as a fenced-off, alcohol-free zone with security conducting bag checks to prohibit glass, sharp objects, and opened containers.