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

Emily Murphy 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.

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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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A must-visit list of Victoria’s most iconic spots

    Megan Arkinstall Megan Arkinstall
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    From natural wonders to historical sites, we’ve rounded up Victoria’s most epic icons that deserve a place on your itinerary.

    Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

    Mount William peak in Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park
    Mount William is the highest peak in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. (Image: Matt Donovan)

    From towering mountains to crystal cascades and ancient rock art sites, the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is a playground for both outdoor adventurers and nature lovers. Don’t miss the views from the highest peak Mount William or the iconic Pinnacle.

    Murray River

    A paddle steamer down the Murray in Echuca
    The wonders of the Murray are best experienced on board a paddle steamer. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    A natural icon of majestic proportions, the Murray River flows for a staggering 2700 kilometres, making it one of the world’s longest navigable rivers. Meandering through Victoria before flowing out to sea at Goolwa in South Australia, the river is home to diverse wildlife, picturesque towns and secluded creeks and beaches.

    Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell

    the Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road
    The Twelve Apostles are a star attraction on the Great Ocean Road. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

    These limestone sea stacks are arguably Victoria’s most famous icon. After an $8-million upgrade to its lookout, The Blowhole near Loch Ard Gorge/Poombeeyt Kontapool (meaning breath of the whale) has recently reopened. A brand-new Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre, complete with rooftop lookout, will open in 2026.

    You Yangs, Geelong

    kangaroos in You Yangs
    Kangaroos enjoy dusk in the You Yangs. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Rising 300-plus metres from the flat volcanic plains between Melbourne/Naarm and Geelong, the You Yangs are massive granite boulders named for the local Wadawurrung word ‘Youang’, meaning ‘big hills’. Hiking, biking, rock climbing and horse-riding are popular within this regional park.

    Redwood Forest, Yarra Valley

    Redwood Forest, Yarra Valley
    Yarra Valley’s soaring Redwood Forest. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Near the town of Warburton, an extraordinary forest of some 1500 Californian Redwoods stands among native orchids, eucalypt trees and rich birdlife. Planted in the 1930s, these 55-metre-plus trees can live for 2000 years and will grow to be some of the world’s tallest.

    Wilsons Promontory, Gippsland

    the Wilsons Promontory
    Wilsons Promontory is home to the incredible Skull Rock formation. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    The Prom, as it’s known locally, is the southernmost tip of mainland Australia. This 50,000-hectare reserve comprises granite mountains and forest, fringed by sandy beaches and surrounded by a marine park rich in marine biodiversity. It’s also home to the incredible and imposing Skull Rock formation.

    Hanging Rock Reserve, Macedon Ranges

    the Hanging Rock Reserve, Macedon Ranges
    Enigmatic Hanging Rock. (Image: Visit Victoria/ Rob Blackburn)

    This six-million-year-old volcanic rock was thrown into the national spotlight thanks to the 1967 novel and consequent 1975 film based on the fictional disappearance of schoolgirls in 1901. Mystery aside, visitors can walk the steep 105-metre summit, fish for trout and go twitching.

    Sovereign Hill, Ballarat

    exploring Sovereign Hill
    Step back in time at Sovereign Hill. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Cry ‘eureka!’ at Sovereign Hill, a living museum to the prosperous Gold Rush era of the 1850s, during which Ballarat produced the most gold in the world. Visitors to this much-loved attraction can walk historic  streets, enter a gold mine and try panning for the good stuff, too.

    The Great Stupa, Bendigo

    Great Stupa, Bendigo
    The Great Stupa in Bendigo. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Who’d have thought the largest Buddhist temple in the Western world would be tucked away in Bendigo’s bushland? Welcoming visitors to explore, this sacred Buddhist pagoda is an epicentre for Tibetan culture, architecture, art and interfaith harmony.

    Cape Schanck Lighthouse, Mornington Peninsula

    the Cape Schanck Lighthouse from above
    Heritage-listed Cape Schanck Lighthouse. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

    Ensuring the safe passage of ships in the notoriously treacherous Bass Strait since 1859, this heritage-listed lighthouse overlooks dramatic volcanic coast and wild beaches. The surrounding reserve is home to a plethora of wildlife including little penguins, seals and echidnas.