Melbourne’s favourite floating bar and restaurant, Afloat, is back for its landmark tenth season on the Yarra River (Birrarung), and this time it’s bringing an unforgettable slice of Rio de Janeiro right to the heart of the city!
Set to open on Friday, 29 August 2025, Afloat has undergone a stunning transformation inspired by the vibrant beauty, colour, and energy of Brazil’s Cidade Maravilhosa—the “Marvelous City.”
Prepare to be transported riverside to the golden sands of Copacabana and Ipanema with a season bursting at the seams with Rio-inspired food, bold cocktails, and lively entertainment that channels the carefree spirit of Brazil.
If sipping fresh cocktails while soaking in views of the city skyline sounds like your kind of vibe, here’s everything you need to know about Afloat’s most exciting season yet!
Step into the Marvelous City
When Rio de Janeiro comes to mind, you might picture sparkling beaches, bold colours, and the unmistakable rhythm of samba—and Afloat’s latest makeover captures every detail in style.
The on-water venue has been reimagined by acclaimed interior designer Emily Jamieson, whose concept brings both the city’s natural beauty and buzzing streetscape to life. Expect lush rainforest greens on umbrella canopies, turquoise and ocean-blue awnings, and soft furnishings in sunset shades of orange and pink. Bars built from wood, rope, and rattan create a relaxed beach vibe, while tropical plants and palms add an extra layer of paradise.
Taking inspiration from Rio’s iconic street art and vibrant markets, ceramic pots, tables, and chairs showcase pops of colour against hand-painted murals. You’ll spot playful nods to the city’s legendary beaches—imagine umbrellas in every shade, tropical greenery swaying, and the contagious energy of Rio’s street artists splashed across every corner.
Feast Like a Carioca
Afloat’s food menu is a passport to Brazil’s diverse and delicious culinary landscape. Executive Chef Paul Dunlop has created a menu that’s equal parts heritage and innovation, channeling the multicultural influences that make Rio’s food scene so distinctive. Think indigenous roots, waves of Portuguese, African, Japanese, Colombian, and Venezuelan flavours—all coming together in a festival-worthy feast.
Take your pick from salty snacks straight out of a beachside bar: golden pastels and empanadas, crisp prawns, and oozy fried cheese perfect for sharing with friends over sunset drinks. The “from the grill” selection cranks up the flavour with chargrilled meats and seafood, while bold sandwiches and arepas add that irresistible street-food edge. It’s a celebration of Brazil’s melting pot—colourful, communal, and full of flair.
Sip Boldly: Cocktails with a Rio Twist
The cocktail menu, curated by HQ Group’s Tom Younger and the expert team at Straight Up Cocktails, is pure sunshine in a glass. Expect vibrant, fruit-driven drinks inspired by Rio’s beach-front bar culture: juicy guava, passionfruit, açai, watermelon, pineapple, and the zest of fresh citrus light up the line-up.
You’ll find classics transformed—like the refreshing Caipirinha or a tart Passionfruit Pisco Sour—and newcomers such as the Coconut Water & Vodka Highball, Raspberry Chilcano, and an aged Long Island Tea. Plus, there’s a dedicated frozen selection, serving up rotating concoctions like Mango Batidas, Strawberry & Açai Daiquiris, and Pina Coladas—perfect for cooling off under the Melbourne sun.
Rio-Style Revelry: Nonstop Entertainment
No tribute to Rio would be complete without a party—or several! Afloat’s events calendar is loaded with the infectious energy of Carnival, promising flamboyant, samba-shaking fun from start to finish.
Whether you want to dance the night away at full-venue Carnival parties, join a beginner-friendly salsa class during the week, or toast with friends at one of the riverside celebrations, there’s something for every party-lover. Festive beats, costumes, and all-night colour—Afloat is bringing Rio’s legendary spirit to life on the Yarra.
Celebrate the Season: Book Your Spot
Afloat opens for its tenth season on Friday, 29 August 2025—and you won’t want to miss this incredible Brazilian-inspired adventure. Bookings for tables, banquets, and beach club lounge packages from 5 September onward are live on afloat.melbourne, where you can also lock in tickets for the unmissable New Year’s Eve party and Christmas celebrations.
Craving more updates, sneak peeks, and Carnival announcements? Sign up for the Afloat newsletter and follow @afloat_melbourne on Instagram.
This spring, life on the Yarra is set to sizzle with Rio’s legendary sunshine, rhythm, and vibrant community spirit. Gather your crew, grab a cocktail, and let Afloat whisk you straight to the heart of Brazil—no passport required!