Afloat

This floating bar and eatery sits directly on the Yarra River in central Melbourne. Open from late morning into the early hours, it’s busiest in warmer months, when the rooftop and deck draw big crowds.

Each season brings a new interior and culinary theme. Recent menus have skewed toward Mexican, with tacos, margaritas and bright cocktails at the centre. The drinks list favours spritzes, agave spirits and wines by the glass.

Multiple bars and DJ-led music zones channel a festival feel, and the open-air layout is well suited to group catch-ups and summer afternoons. We’d book ahead for weekends—it fills fast.