Brisbane is about to explode with colour, energy, and epic New Year’s eve celebrations on 31st December 2025, and you’re invited to the party of the year! Whether you’re craving midnight fireworks over the Brisbane River, rooftop vibes with flowing drinks, or a family-friendly sunset celebration, this guide has everything you need to celebrate New Year’s Eve like a true Brisbanite. Planning New Year’s Eve Brisbane 2025? Discover fireworks times, best viewing spots, parties, family events, transport, and where to stay.
Brisbane NYE 2025: Essential Guide
Plan your perfect New Year’s Eve celebration in Brisbane
| Category | Key Details | Type / Cost | Pro Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Fireworks | Lord Mayor’s Midnight Fireworks. Theme: ‘City of Dreams’. Over 100,000 effects from 6 river barges. | Free | Two shows: Family (7:45 PM) & Midnight (12:00 AM) |
| Drone Shows | NEW for 2025. Two 8-minute displays with 200 drones at 9 PM & 11 PM. | Free | Best viewed from South Bank or Queen’s Wharf |
| Best Free Viewing | South Bank Parklands, Clem Jones Promenade, Cultural Forecourt, Riverside Green, River Quay. | Free | Arrive early to claim your spot with a picnic blanket |
| Premium Venues | Rooftop bars (W Brisbane, Iris), Howard Smith Wharves restaurants, floating yacht cruises (Oasis Brisbane). | Ticketed | Book well in advance – these sell out quickly |
| Family Events | South Bank alcohol-free zone & suburban celebrations (Aspley Hornets, Bulimba Golf Club, etc.). | Family-Friendly | Most suburban events have 8 PM or 9 PM fireworks |
| Transport | Free public transport from 8:00 PM Dec 31 to 5:30 AM Jan 1 on all Translink services. | Free | Trains, buses, ferries, and trams included. Don’t drive. |
| What to Bring | Sunscreen, sealed water bottle, picnic blanket, fully charged phone, cash for vendors. | – | BYO food & non-alcoholic drinks allowed at parks |
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Why Brisbane NYE Hits Different
Let’s be real, there’s something magical about ringing in the new year under the Queensland summer sky. Brisbane’s warm summer weather makes it a prime destination for tourists during New Year celebrations, and the electric atmosphere along the Brisbane River creates unforgettable memories. From South Bank’s massive fireworks display to Fortitude Valley’s club scene that goes till sunrise, Brisbane knows how to party.
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The Main Event: Lord Mayor’s Midnight Fireworks
What You Need to Know
The Lord Mayor’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks features over 100,000 pyrotechnic effects launched from 6 barges on the Brisbane River, making it Queensland’s biggest fireworks display. This year’s theme is ‘City of Dreams’, and trust us, it’s going to be HUGE.
Two Shows, Double the Fun:
- Family Show at 7:45 PM – Perfect for the whole family with younger-friendly music and stunning effects
- Midnight Countdown at 12:00 AM – The main event with bigger, louder, and brighter fireworks
NEW FOR 2025: Two drone shows featuring 200 drones at 9pm and 11pm, running for 8 minutes each, visible from South Bank and Queen’s Wharf Brisbane. This is next-level tech meeting traditional fireworks magic!
Best Viewing Spots (All Free!)
South Bank Parklands – The ultimate crowd favourite
- Clem Jones Promenade (front row views!)
- Cultural Forecourt
- Riverside Green
- River Quay
Other Prime Spots:
- Howard Smith Wharves (riverside dining with a view)
- Queen’s Wharf Brisbane (with bar and food trucks)
- Riverside Centre
- Kangaroo Point
Pro Tip: Free public transport runs from 8:00pm on New Year’s Eve until 5:30am New Year’s morning on all Translink bus, train, ferry and tram services, no excuses for not getting there!
Where to Party: The Hottest NYE Events in Brisbane
1. Rooftop Venues
- W Brisbane’s WET Deck: Front-row fireworks, Moët free-pour, DJs from 8pm.
- Iris Rooftop: 360-degree city views, Spanish food, 5-hour premium drinks package. Sells out fast.
2. Floating Venue
- Oasis Brisbane: Three-level yacht cruise with fireworks viewed from the river.
3. Howard Smith Wharves
- Mr Percival’s: Canapés, Veuve Clicquot, premier DJs. $265 per person.
- Felons Brewing Co.: Set menu for New Year’s Eve dinner, 3-hour drinks. $170 per person. Walk-in lawn space.
- CIAO Italian: Family sunset sitting (5-8pm) from $99, or Italian feast.
- Greca: Premium outdoor banquet with beverage package. From $350 per person.
- Yoko: Japanese feast, vinyl music, prime riverfront views.
4. Fortitude Valley (Late Night)
- Press Club: Late live entertainment with beverage and canapé package.
- BrewDog Fortitude Valley: Cocktail specials, live music, DJs from 9pm to 2am.
5. Multi-Level Venues
- The Regatta Hotel: Four distinct themed parties across levels, $40 to $295 per person.
The Star Brisbane:
- Aloria on Sky Deck: Adults-only fine dining 23 floors up.
- Sokyo: Elevated Japanese à la carte dining.
- Food Quarter: Guaranteed window seat for fireworks, two-course menu, drinks included. $140 per person (min. 4).
6. Mediterranean & Italian
- Nostimo: Mediterranean banquet with city and fireworks views.
- Persone: Italian celebration.
- Blackbird: Choice of cocktail party or five-course tasting with five-hour beverage package.
7. Riverside Event
- Riverland: Front-row fireworks view, four-hour premium food and beverage package with live cooking stations. 8pm to midnight.
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Family-Friendly NYE Fun
Free Community New Year’s Eve Events
South Bank Parklands
- Free fireworks shows at 7:45pm and midnight with food vendors on the Cultural Forecourt
- Alcohol-free family zone (excluding licensed restaurants)
- BYO food and non-alcoholic beverages allowed
Suburban Celebrations with Fireworks:
- Aspley Hornets – 8pm fireworks + rides, jumping castle, face painting
- Bulimba Golf Club – 8pm fireworks + kids activities
- Pacific Golf Club, Carindale – 8pm fireworks
- The Glen Hotel, Eight Mile Plains – 9pm fireworks + live entertainment
- Carina Leagues Club – 9:30pm & midnight fireworks + 80s music with Boombox 80s
Smart Tips for Epic NYE Brisbane Style
Getting Around
- Use public transport – Free from 8pm NYE to 5:30am New Year’s Day!
- Trains, buses, ferries, and trams all included
- Don’t drive—save yourself the hassle and celebrate responsibly
What to Bring
- Sunscreen (it’s summer, remember!)
- Reusable water bottle (sealed bottles only at South Bank)
- Picnic blanket for claiming your fireworks spot
- Fully charged phone for those midnight photos
What NOT to Bring to South Bank
- Alcohol (unless you’re in a licensed venue)
- Glass bottles
- Metal cutlery
- Drones
- Pets
- Large structures or marquees
Where to Stay in Brisbane: Luxury & Affordable Hotels
Luxury Stays
- The Calile Hotel: The iconic poolside paradise in James Street, Fortitude Valley.
- W Brisbane: Sleek, design-forward rooms in the heart of the CBD, steps from the river.
- Emporium Hotel South Bank: Ultimate five-star indulgence with breathtaking river and city views.
Affordable & Central Options
- Ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth Street: Reliable, colourful, and centrally located.
- Meriton Suites Herschel Street: Spacious apartment-style living with kitchen facilities.
- Ibis Budget Brisbane Airport: A practical, no-frills option with easy airport and city links.
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Cheers to 2026!
As the final firework fades over the Brisbane River, you’ll be left with memories to last a lifetime. Here’s to a spectacular send-off to 2025 and a brilliant beginning to 2026. Plan smart, celebrate safely, and welcome the new year in true Brisbane style.
FAQs For New Years Eve Brisbane
1. Are there any alcohol-free or substance-free NYE events in Brisbane?
Yes, the official South Bank Parklands fireworks viewing areas are designated alcohol-free family zones. Additionally, many suburban community events (like those at Aspley Hornets or Bulimba Golf Club) are dry, family-focused celebrations.
2. What happens if it rains on New Year’s Eve?
The fireworks and most major events proceed rain or shine. Indoor and covered venue events (like at Howard Smith Wharves or The Star) are excellent wet-weather backups. Always check the event’s social media for last-minute weather updates.
3. Can I bring a picnic basket to public fireworks viewing areas?
Yes, at most public parks like South Bank, you can bring soft-sided picnic baskets with food and sealed non-alcoholic drinks. Glass, alcohol, and metal cutlery are prohibited. Arrive early to secure a good spot.
4. Is there a midnight public transport curfew after the fireworks?
No. In fact, free public transport runs continuously from 8:00pm on December 31st until 5:30am on January 1st on all Translink services. Extra late-night services are added to help everyone get home safely after midnight.
