Overview
Melbourne's already home to a couple of floating bars, including the seasonal Arbory Afloat and year-round drinks spot Yarra Botanica — but we've never had a floating openair nightclub. Well, that's all set to change, and very soon, with the news that ambitious over-water club and events space ATET will be mooring in Docklands this spring.
The brainchild of local architect and DJ Jake Hughes, ATET is geared to become a primo destination for electronic tunes, playing host to a bumper lineup of local and international artists. Inspired by the great day clubs of Europe, it takes its moniker from ancient Egyptian mythology, named after the solar barge of the sun god Ra.
Built atop a repurposed barge and initially making its home at North Wharf, the 570-square-metre club will boast space for 550 partygoers across its two levels. The openair venue is decked out with high-tech sound and visual elements, including fully programmable pixel strip LED lighting, and will even feature clear PVC roof and wall panels that can be rolled out when Melbourne's sketchy weather sets in. And of course, the views will be something else.
ATET's a versatile beast, too, with two bars, a commercial kitchen, and modular furniture that's easily rearranged to suit whatever party or event is gracing the decks on any given day. Handy, because according to Hughes, there's already been loads of interest from festival promoters and event planners keen to make use of the unprecedented floating venue.
ATET will call Docklands home from spring and through this coming summer, though since it's relocatable, you'll likely see it travel to other locations down the track.
ATET is set to moor at Shed 2, North Wharf Road, Docklands, from spring.