Melbourne’s floating bar will transport you to Rio this spring

Emily MurphyBy Emily Murphy
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It’s channelling the colour, chaos and charisma of Rio de Janeiro.

You don’t need a passport to experience the wild, wonderful energy of Brazil’s most iconic seaside city; you just need to head to the banks of the Yarra.

This September, Afloat Melbourne returns with a brand-new theme, taking its design, drinks and dancefloor cues straight from the streets of Rio de Janeiro. Expect sun-kissed beach club vibes, tropical cocktails, chargrilled snacks and enough samba-infused entertainment to keep the party going all season long.

Afloat Melbourne at sunset
The 2025 theme captures the soul of Rio de Janeiro. (Image: Griffin Sim)

Each year, Afloat transforms into a vibrant homage to an exotic destination, and Season 10 might be its boldest incarnation yet. The 2025 theme captures the soul of Rio de Janeiro, or, as locals call it, the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvellous City), through an immersive fit-out and energy that’s impossible to ignore.

From rainforest-green umbrellas and ocean-blue awnings to sunset-hued furnishings and rattan bars, the new design radiates the laidback luxe of Copacabana meets Ipanema. Think handcrafted murals, palms galore and the heady contrast of colours inspired by Rio’s iconic beachscapes.

Caipirinhas and Carnival classics

Food at Afloat Melbourne
Dine on Brazilian beach snacks like crispy prawns.

The cocktail list is just as lively, with HQ Group’s drinks team (and local legends Straight Up Cocktails) designing a fruit-forward menu that oozes Brazilian flavour. Sip on mango batidas, guava Caipirinhas, açai daiquiris and passionfruit-spiked pisco sours, or head straight for the frozen cocktail section and pretend you’re dancing at Carnival.

The food? It’s a multicultural melting pot that echoes Rio’s own. Brazilian beach snacks like fried cheese, pastels and crispy prawns meet South American chargrilled meats, empanadas and arepas. It’s bold, bright and unapologetically flavour-packed.

Samba your way through spring

People by the pool at Afloat Melbourne
The new design radiates the laidback luxe of Copacabana meets Ipanema. (Image: Jake Roden)

And it wouldn’t be Rio without the rhythm. This season’s events calendar promises an all-out celebration of Brazilian culture: weekday salsa classes, all-night venue takeovers and DJ-led parties channelling the spirit of Carnival.

With panoramic views over the city and the buzz of the Yarra beneath your feet, Afloat’s latest transformation is one you won’t want to miss.

Afloat opens its 10th season on 29 August, with bookings now open for dining, daybeds and special events.

Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
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The iconic Victorian beach where true Aussie surf culture was born

    Craig TansleyBy Craig Tansley
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    Torquay’s Bells Beach is considered one of the best surf beaches in the world.

    It’d be easy to think Australian surf culture was born around the right-hand point breaks of the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. These regions seem the epitome of how the world views Aussie surfers – bronzed (or burnt), languishing in warm water and sunshine. The reality is a lot different.

    The rise of surf culture along Victoria’s coastline

    surfers at Bells Beach in Australia
    Surfers stand on the shore at Bells Beach, where the country’s biggest surfing competition is held each year. (Image: Getty/Filed Image)

    True Aussie surf culture was born on the chilly waves of Victoria’s winters, when huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean hit cliff-lined beaches along the Great Ocean Road . These beaches were the ultimate proving ground – surfers from all over Australia arrived in panel vans and VWs to do battle with the biggest waves they could find.

    huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean at Bells Beach
    Surfers take advantage of the huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean at Bells Beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/Cameron Murray)

    There are surf breaks all along this very picturesque coast – but those around Torquay were most revered. The ultimate test of a surfer’s ability – and durability – however, was Bells Beach: Australia’s answer to Hawai‘i’s Pipeline. Just beyond, the breaks at Jan Juc and Winkipop beckoned.

    an aerial view of surfers at Bells Beach
    Hit the waves along the picturesque coast. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Torquay became surfing’s Silicon Valley: HQ for the entire Australian surf culture revolution. Four young locals worked out of their backyards in Torquay to create two of the world’s biggest surf labels – Rip Curl and Quiksilver , which soon became the region’s biggest employers.

    surfers out at Bells Beach
    Surfers out at Bells Beach, Victoria’s most famous beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/Cameron Murray)

    Rip Curl started sponsoring the Bells Beach Pro in 1973 – and have done ever since. It’s been going since 1962 – making it the world’s longest continually run surfing contest. Held every Easter, it’s part of the world surfing tour. Spectators line its 30-metre-high cliffs to watch the world’s best take on enormous waves – it’s the ultimate coliseum for the sport and has inspired generations of Aussie surfers to join the list of heroes whose names are on its iconic bell.

    Follow the waves through Victoria’s surfing heartland

    Australian National Surfing Museum, Torquay
    The Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Just behind Torquay’s main drag, you can see all that history on display at the world’s best surf museum – the Australian National Surfing Museum . Here you can take your time absorbing the 100-year-or-so history of Australian surfing and check out the 150-strong surfboard collection.

    surfboards on display at Australian National Surfing Museum
    The museum holds surfing memorabilia, including a room dedicated to the history of boards. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    But classic Aussie surf culture can be observed in everyday life all over the Great Ocean Road and Torquay. Surfing dictates life here; no work is done until the big swells have come and gone. Just being here provides a window into 60-odd years of rebellion against convention; for no-one likes nine-to-five living on the Great Ocean Road.

    surfing memorabilia at Australian National Surfing Museum
    The varied displays celebrate the Bells Beach competition, surfing legends and Aussie surf culture. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    There’s less panel vans and VW Beetles these days, but surf culture still rules life. Surfers run this coast; you’re better off keeping out of their way when they’re running down past you to face the biggest swells – then hear them swap stories at cafes, restaurants and bars all around you.

    surfing at Bells Beach
    The beach near Torquay is Australia’s answer to Hawai‘i’s Pipeline. (Image: Visit Victoria/William Watt)