After the retirement of the F-111 aircraft with their 'dump and burn' flyovers in 2010, vendors at the cliffs said numbers dropped noticeably.

But the replacement F/A-18F Super Hornets, which conducted a practice run on Friday, are gradually luring people back to witness the spectacular firework display.

This year's Riverfire will be the first for Amy Johns, who along with her family secured her spot on top of the cliffs when they arrived at 10.30am.

"We think it's a good spot, a perfect day and a nice set up here," Ms Johns said.

"It's quieter than we thought for this time, but we expect it to get a lot busier as it has picked up since we've been here."

Rotary Club of Woolloongabba volunteer Ros Kelly said when numbers dropped off six years ago many regular vendors gave up and did not return.

But the Rotary Club and Classic Ice Creams persevered and were starting to see the rewards.

"In the earlier years there was a lot more traders and vendors, it had dropped off after the year they stopped the (F-111) planes flying through," Ms Kelly said.

"That year after that dropped off and a lot of the vendors dropped off and I'm not quite sure why a lot of them aren't back, but we still come every year."

"You get a good view here, the only thing you miss here is the bridge overflowing, but .... I think this is one of the best."

Classic Ice Creams owner Jack Rigaud agreed that business was bouncing back and said he loved to see the smiles Riverfire puts on people's faces.

"It makes people smile and happy and that is what we're all about," Mr Rigaud said.

Check out some of the other good vantage points for Riverfire by clicking here.

There were not many smiles during the morning, with police and tow trucks out in force catching drivers by surprise.

Police enforced a strict tow-away policy on both sides of River Terrace, which runs along the top of the cliffs, on Saturday.

The Rotary Club set up along the road at 7.30am and in the three hours to 10.30am, Ms Kelly said between 15 and 20 vehicles were towed away.

Ms Kelly said the regular signs allowing parking along River Terrace were simply turned around and small tow away signs placed in between.

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