Afloat will return to the Yarra River (Birrarung) on Thursday, 27th August 2026, reopening with a Greek Islands theme for its 11th season.

Named Yamas Greece, after the Greek toast meaning “to our health”, the seasonal floating bar and restaurant will introduce a new interior, food menu and drinks list inspired by Greece.

Interior designer Emily Jamieson is returning for her third year shaping Afloat’s design. This season’s fit-out will feature natural textures, sun-washed terracotta and the blue-and-white palette associated with the Greek Islands.

Greek wines, gyros and ouzo frozen cola

New cocktails have been created for the season by HQ Group’s Straight Up Cocktails team. The menu will include a Greek take on the Long Island Iced Tea made with Greek mountain tea, a sangria using Moschofilero wine and an ouzo frozen cola.

“We’ve taken familiar cocktails and reimagined them in a Greek manner,” Head of Straight Up Cocktails Tom Younger said.

Local and international wines will also be available, with the list curated by HQ Group Head of Wine Marcus Ellis. Greek wines will focus on native grape varieties, including whites, rosés and medium-bodied aromatic reds.

The food menu will feature fresh local seafood, grilled meats, meze, gyros and Greek sweets alongside returning Afloat dishes.

HQ Group Executive Chef Paul Dunlop said the menu drew on his travels and time working in Greece, with references ranging from beach clubs and street vendors to tavernas.

Table reservations, banquet bookings and beach club lounge packages are now available for September onwards.

Tickets are also on sale for Christmas Day banquets and Afloat’s New Year’s Eve event. The New Year’s Eve theme has not yet been revealed, but tickets include drinks, roaming canapés, DJs, live entertainment and views of Melbourne’s midnight fireworks from the river.

Afloat is located at 2 Flinders Walk on the north bank of the Yarra River.

Bookings and event tickets are available through Afloat’s website.