Melbourne's favourite floating bar gets a Mexican makeover

This season, Arbory Afloat pulls together a taste of Mexico on the Yarra River.

Arbory Afloat is bringing flavour and fiesta to Melbourne‘s Yarra River (Birrarung) with a Mexican-themed makeover this summer. The seasonal bar and restaurant suspended over the water is a go-to hang-out for Melbournites in the warmer months, when its doors open between September and March.

Arbory Afloat is a seasonal bar set over the Yarra River (Birrarung).

Hundreds of creatives and hospitality experts have come together to craft Viva Mexico, a celebration of Mexican culture that takes inspiration from all over the country – from Oaxaca to Tulum. This season, the drinks menu heroes mezcal and tequila, as well as a flurry of margarita flavours to suit every taste. The Four Pillars Afloat Pink Gin collaboration will return, this time mixed into a refreshing cocktail featuring agave syrup, finger lime, and pink grapefruit.

Viva Mexico will have an array of refreshing drinks and cocktails.

A spice-centric food menu that encapsulates the bold flavours of Mexico using fresh Aussie ingredients. Expect sumptuous seafood platters, tacos (of course), tortas and Afloat’s signature wood-fired pizzas – which return with a Mexican spin.

Tacos will be a fixture on the menu at Viva Mexico.

The bold, retro-cool interior takes cues from Lance Wyman’s ’68 Mexico Olympic Games design, bringing the space to life in a fresh colour palette of zesty greens, pinks and citrons. Cactai, agave and banana palms punctuate the lower decks, providing an idyllic space to unwind. A pool will soon be added, meaning patrons can lounge in pool beds alongside an agave bar and a taco hut. All up, Arbory Afloat has been transformed into a colourful pop-up that’s perfect for kicking back with a spicy margarita and seeing out the season’s sun-kissed days. All aboard!

The dazzling exterior of Arbory Afloat.