Coming Soon: Afloat Will Return to the Yarra This Season with a Vibrant Rio de Janeiro-Inspired Makeover
For its tenth edition, the floating, ever-evolving venue will channel the colour and energy of the Brazilian seaside city.
Afloat is dropping anchor in the Yarra River this month — and for its milestone tenth edition, it's all about the rhythms, flavours and flair of Rio de Janeiro. From Friday, August 29, the ever-changing floating bar and restaurant will reopen with a brand-new look, feel and menu, all inspired by the colour and energy of the Brazilian seaside city.
Afloat has built its reputation on full-scale annual reinventions, with each season channelling a different international escape, from the Amalfi Coast to Palm Springs. For Afloat's 2025–6 edition, HQ Group (also behind permanent riverside hangout Arbory and multi-venue Lonsdale Street precinct HER) is drawing inspiration from Carioca spirit, with Carnival colour, a stacked events lineup and a menu brimming with bold, tropical flavours.
Arianna Leggiero
The venue has undergone a complete design overhaul — interior designer Emily Jamieson has drawn from what she calls the "alluring paradox" of Rio's "old-world glamour and super-chill beach vibes". Expect expansive umbrellas in lush rainforest greens, ocean-hued awnings and bars built from natural materials like wood, rope and rattan, as well as plenty of tropical plants and palms, hand-painted murals and pops of sunset pink and orange throughout.
The drinks program is similarly colourful. Curated by HQ Group's Head of Cocktails, Tom Younger, and the team at the group's RTD offer Straight Up Cocktails, the menu features fun, flirty and fruit-forward sips like a passionfruit pisco sour, coconut water and vodka highball and a reaimgined long island iced tea. There'll also be a rotating selection of three frozen cocktails that might include the likes of mango batidas, piña coladas and strawberry and açai daiquiris.
The food menu takes its cues from Brazil's rich multicultural culinary traditions, showcasing Portuguese, African and Japanese influences. There'll also be classic Brazilian fare, from snacky beachside faves like arepas and pastels to larger-format proteins cooked on the grill.
Of course, it wouldn't be Afloat — or a trip to Rio — without a party or two. This season, Afloat will channel the energy of Rio Carnival with samba nights and full-venue parties going into the small hours.
Griffin Simm
Afloat opens for walk-ins on Friday, August 29, with reservations available from Friday, September 5, onwards. For more information and to book, visit the venue's website.
Top image: Arianna Leggiero.
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