1. South Bank Pros: A popular family place to watch the show, and plenty there to keep you amused in the hours before the action kicks off. Disabled access available.
The view takes in fireworks on the Victoria, the Goodwill and Captain Cook bridges (depending on what part of South Bank you're situated in), as well as the backdrop of the city buildings.
Cons: Trying to get a good eyeline can be a challenge.
Also, despite the public transport options of a train station at each end (South Bank and South Brisbane), a couple of major bus stations (Cultural Centre Busway Station, South Bank) and ferry stops (CityCat services will not operate between 6.45pm and 7.45pm), when you leave the venue along with most of Brisbane you have to be patient and go with the flow of the crowd.
There's an alcohol ban, so if you have a booking at one of the South Bank restaurants, contact them about delivery of your BYOs.
2. Kangaroo Point Cliffs Pros: For views, it's impossible to knock this spot.
You can see the barges in front of South Bank and along to the Story Bridge.
Bring a picnic or visit the food and drink stalls along Lower River and River terraces, Kangaroo Park.
Cons: Transport options are not as good as in other areas.
3. City Botanic Gardens Pros: This is the full surround-sound experience of Riverfire. Spread out a rug, wear something warm and enjoy the barges in front of you and a view of the Story Bridge. Disabled access.
Cons: Not as convenient for public transport as South Bank, but perhaps the better option if you're coming from the north side of the river.
4. Eagle Street Pier Pros: Offers close proximity to the fireworks barge in front of Kangaroo Point and a great view of the Story Bridge.
Plenty of food and drink options. There is disabled access.
Cons: It's not really the place to spread out the picnic rug.
5. Riverside Centre Pros: Grab a spot in front of the Eagle St precinct to get an up-close view of the curtain of fireworks coming from the Story Bridge. Remember, the man who has set up the fireworks displays says the bridge is the highlight of the show.
A section of the footpath running between Boundary and Macrossan streets between the Story Bridge and Customs House at Admiralty Quays has been closed for safety reasons.
Plenty of nearby options for food and drinks.
Cons: Not as much room to set up your base camp as other locations.
6. Captain Burke Park Pros: Long considered a top spot by the locals who turn up in their droves, this provides a great view of the Story Bridge from directly below it and the barges looking back down the river.
Food and drink stalls will also be available.
Cons: Public transport options are more limited here.
7. Wilson's Outlook Pros: Another favoured ``top spot'' with locals, this gives you a view of the "backside'' of the Story Bridge, looking down towards South Bank.
Food and drink stalls will be set up and there also are food outlets nearby.
Cons: The view of the fireworks from the barge is more distant than from other vantage points.
