Sunsuper Riverfire is the closing finale for the annual Brisbane Festival. Complete with a 20 minute fireworks display along 2 stretches of the Brisbane River with fireworks shooting from barges, high-rise buildings and bridges. The event is always well supported by the Australian Defence Force and this year was no exception. Two each of the Army’s and Navy’s MRH-90 Taipan Helicopters, a flypast be the C-17, the return of the Roulettes and for first time the EA-18G Growler opened the fireworks display with an afterburner pass that filled the city with noise.
The RAAF Roulettes triumphant return to Brisbane Riverfire.
The Roulettes doing an air display Queensland style.
The RAAF Roulettes opened the air display with a solid show that covered a good part of the city and drew plenty gasps and cheers from those in enjoying the warm day in the Southbank pool as well as the gathering 500,000 onlookers who lined the river to watch the event.
The Roulettes with their usual precise and tight display wowing the gathering crowd.
The Taipan Crew flashing past the QUT building.
As the afternoon moved on the river was stormed by 4 MRH-90 Taipan Multi Role Helicopters. The four of them making a grand entrance with a loud and low pass along the river before returning to show off their manoeuvrability. These were a big hit with the kids as the loadmasters and pilots gave plenty of waves to the crowd (what a great job these guys and girls have).
A40-006 RAN 808 SQN crew giving the crowd a big wave.
The A40-003 Army MRH-90 displays in front of the Brisbane skyline
Onlookers enjoying the view as the MRH-90 heats the air above the Brisbane River.
The arrival of the C-17 must have been on daylight savings time … (yes I know its QLD and I know daylight savings hadn’t started yet) as I was caught with my camera down.
I made no such era with the arrival of the Growler for its display. I can only describe the display as short, sharp and full of punch. I love watching these fast jets scream through Brisbane and the 6 SQN Growler crew did a magnificent job. Who doesn’t love a full afterburner pass at what feels and sounds like tree top height.
The RAAF Growler debut at Riverfire.
The RAAF EA-18G Growler pulling some Gs at the river bend to turn and take the other leg of the river.
A hearty welcome to the Growlers as they make an impression on the Riverfire crowd for the first time.
If your interested in the highlights of the fireworks I suggest you check out the ABC’s coverage HERE.
If your interested in knowing more about the Brisbane Festival and its Sunsuper Riverfire finale take a look HERE
If you want more information on getting one of those very cool jobs take a look at the Defence Jobs Website.
G’day Leigh from WA. Thanks once again for your phenomenal Nikon pictures; they are awesome!
I especially liked the EA18 G Growler doing a flypast the Queensland skyline and the helicopter closeups are clear and wonderful for those of us in the desert state deprived of the East Coast action. Keep up the good work, you inspire all of us away from the smell of Avtur that doesn’t emanate from a Airbus or Boeing.
Wow! Thank you for the wonderful compliment Bevan. I’m really glad you enjoyed the shots. Its always challenging but a lot of fun capturing aircraft in and around the city.