Experience Afloat’s New Rio Theme This Spring on the Yarra
This Spring, Melbourne’s favourite floating bar and restaurant, Afloat, will return for its
tenth season on the Yarra River (Birrarung), drawing inspiration from the extraordinary city of Rio de Janeiro.
Inviting you to lose yourself in the magic of the “Carioca” spirit, next month, the on-water venue will unveil an entirely new look, interior and design, food and beverage menu, music and entertainment program — each bursting with the life, colour and intoxicating energy of the seaside city of Brazil.
“Think of Rio de Janeiro and golden-sand, shimmering beaches, a mountainous backdrop and the lively percussion of samba echoing in the distance will likely come to mind,” says HQ Group’s Chief Marketing Officer, Georgie Larkins. “The city is a lively, pulsating party that blends natural beauty, architectural icons, historical legacy and creative talents.”
Often referred to as the “Cidade Maravilhosa”, or the “Marvelous City”, Rio is famed for its Copacabana and Ipanema beaches (dotted with umbrellas of various shades and serving as the playing ground for sports like footvolley and frescobol); the 98-foot-tall statue of Christ the Redeemer that towers over the city; and Sugarloaf Mountain, one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
“Possessing both old-world glamour and super-chill beach vibes, there’s an alluring paradox to the city that has driven much of what we’re bringing to life for this season’s iteration of Afloat,” adds Emily Jamieson, the interior designer at the helm of the transformation.
Natural landscapes have inspired umbrellas in lush rainforest greens; there’ll be turquoise and ocean-blue awnings; soft furnishings in sunset shades of orange and pink; bars built from natural materials like wood, rope and rattan; plus plenty of tropical plants and palms. The intense, contrasting colours of umbrellas, bikinis and speedos spread across the beach will find themselves on ceramic pots, tables and chairs; and the personality of the street-art and road-side vendors on hand-painted walls and murals.
The drinks list will be just as spirited — vibrant and fruit-forward.
“You’ll see a lot of guava, passionfruit and açai, as well as watermelon, pineapple and plenty of citrus,” describes HQ Group’s Head of Cocktails Tom Younger, who has curated the cocktail menu alongside the team at Straight Up Cocktails. “We’re really leaning into Rio’s beach-front drinking culture, curating fresh, smashable and easy-drinking cocktails with just a handful of ingredients.”
Some stand-outs include a classic Caipirinha, Passionfruit Pisco Sour, Coconut Water & Vodka Highball, a Raspberry Chilcano and a new aged Long Island Tea, plus a dedicated frozen section with three-rotating cocktails (think Mango Batidas, Strawberry & Açai Daiquiris and Pina Coladas).
Onto food, the menu will reflect the cultural melting pot and combination of heritages that have made Brazilian cuisine so diverse.
“Brazilian food reflects a cultural mosaic,” describes HQ Group’s Executive Chef Paul Dunlop. “Our menu will be just the same, championing the country’s multi-cultural heritage through a mix of indigenous, European (primarily Portuguese), African and Japanese flavours, as well as Colombian and Venezuelan — all of which have played a role in shaping Rio’s assorted and flavourful cuisine.”
There’ll be plenty of salty snacks inspired by those sold by beachside vendors (think pastels and empanadas, crispy prawns and fried cheese), a dedicated “from the grill” section that celebrates South America’s affinity for chargrilling, plus a selection of sandwiches and arepas, crafted with bold, striking flavours.
Of course, Rio wouldn’t be Rio without Carnival.
“No country throws a party quite like Brazil, and there’s no Brazilian party quite like Rio Carnival,” describes Larkins. “We’re bringing all the action to this season’s events calendar,“ she adds. “It will be jam-packed with flamboyant, samba-shaking fun, from weekday salsa classes to all-night, full-venue parties and celebrations.”
Afloat will open for its tenth season on the Yarra on Friday 29 August 2025. Table reservations, banquet bookings and beach club lounge packages for September 5 onwards can be secured online now via www.afloat.melbourne, along with tickets to their annual New Year’s Eve party and Christmas Day celebrations.