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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This hidden region in Victoria is home to a peaceful lake trail

    Craig TansleyBy Craig Tansley
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    Video credit: Tourism Australia

    From pink salt landscapes to oases fringed by forests of red gums, the lakes of this rural region are astounding. 

    You’re going to find peace and quiet when you take a road trip through the lakes of the Wimmera Mallee region. Whether it’s mirror-like pink salt lakes that look like an inland sea, or lakes fringed by forests of red gums that showcase Victoria’s arid beauty, there’s a lake for you out here somewhere.  

    1. Lake Tyrrell  

    Lake Tyrrell
    The colours of Lake Tyrrell blend into the sky. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

    Located in the dead heart of the Mallee, Victoria’s largest salt lake, Lake Tyrrell , is a landscape photographer’s dream – especially at sunrise and sunset when the pink salt flats look like a gigantic mirror. It’s easy to camp or park a caravan nearby, too, though the tiny town of Sea Lake is just south (with accommodation). In winter, shallow water covers the salt, creating surreal reflections of the sky.  

    2. Nhill Lake  

    There’s a permanent water source here, so there’s always plenty of water for water skiing, swimming and fishing (the trout and redfin fishing here is legendary). Located beside the pretty heritage town of Nhill with its main street of historic buildings, there’s options for eating and drinking right next door. There’s also a barbecue area with plenty of shady picnic spots and a boardwalk for walking around the lake.  

    3. Lake Bringalbert  

    Lake Bringalert
    Lake Bringalert is a great spot for aquatic adventures.

    Located south-west of the pretty Mallee town of Kaniva, Lake Bringalbert epitomises the best of ‘outback’ Victoria. It’s ringed by red gums and red mallee and feels completely hidden from the world – you’ll barely ever see another person. There’s basic camping on its foreshore and Kaniva offers more accommodation options. It’s the perfect lake for swimming, kayaking and skiing, and the stars at night come without even a hint of city glow.  

    4. Lake Hindmarsh 

    If you’re a bird fan, you’ll love Lake Hindmarsh . Located north of Dimboola, Victoria’s largest natural freshwater lake is like an inland sea full of pelicans, swans and numerous species of ducks – but it also teems with everything from spoonbills to parrots. Sunsets here will blow your mind – the lake is a mirror for the pinks and golds you’ll see on the horizon. There’s free camping spots along the foreshore if you’d like to really contemplate the magic of the lake.  

    5. Pink Lake 

    pink lake
    The Pink Lake is most vivid after rain. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

    Also known as Loch Lel , the summer months offer up some seriously vivid pink water colour at this lake north of Dimboola. The pink varies throughout the year, but is best after rain (hence why summer is the time to visit).

    pink lake
    Pink Lake, also known as Loch Lel, is located near Dimboola in the Grampians. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    There’s plenty of birds, including wedge-tailed eagles, but you’re as likely to spot big lace monitors, kangaroos and echidnas. Nearby, check out the uber-cute heritage town of Dimboola and its eclectic shops, and Little Desert National Park, full of walking trails through mallee heathland. 

    6. Lake Lascelles 

    Lake Lascelles
    You can camp at Lake Lascelles.

    On a hot summer’s day, there’s nowhere better for a cooling dip, kayak or boat ride. You can camp by the lake , or at powered caravan sites – or the pretty town of Hopetoun offers numerous accommodation options a short walk away. At night you’ll see the lights of Hopetoun reflect off the lake. Fish for yellow belly, redfin or catfish, or try water-skiing. There’s also a great walking trail around the lake, where there’s more birds than you can count.