Byron Bay’s New Floating Bar Is About To Become The Ultimate Summer Experience
Float, sip, repeat
By Kiri Johnston | 21st November 2025Byron Bay has a new trick up its sleeve, and this time, it’s on water.
M.V. Jasmine is a floating bar and dining experience cruising along the Brunswick River, bringing an Italian Riviera flair to the Northern Rivers. As a first of its kind, the luxury on-water bar and dining experience introduces a Mediterranean-inspired, design-forward edge to one of the region’s most scenic stretches of water, and it’s already shaping up to be a major summer drawcard.
The design
Jasmine leans into chic stripes, curved silhouettes, warm timber and stone accents, a visually intentional aesthetic that feels relaxed yet refined. The styling complements the surrounding landscape without competing with it, giving the vessel a calm, sunlit atmosphere that works across any time of day.
The lower deck houses the main bar and a series of considered seating zones, while the upper deck is made for golden hour: open-air, glowing light, endless spritz, and breezy views along the river. It’s an atmosphere on the water built for long lunches and sunset cocktails.
Every detail, from the custom upholstery to the boutique marine materials, contributes to a design language that feels polished without being over-the-top.
The cruises
Jasmine’s weekly program offers a variety of ways to experience the river.
Afternoon and sunset cruises deliver canapés by Maria’s, seasonal snacks, artisan cocktails, local spirits, and a curated soundtrack by FLO Records as the afternoon light softens across the hills. The food onboard is curated by Maria’s, led by Mullumbimby-born duo Maya and Chelsea, whose knack for modern, produce-led cooking has cemented them as one of the Northern Rivers’ most exciting culinary teams.
The Linger Long Lunch Series brings a seated, multi-course menu crafted around seasonal produce and the slow shift of the tides. Optional wine pairings by Luna Wine Store and a daytime soundscape set an easy, unhurried rhythm. Upcoming guest chefs include The Hut and Light Years Asian Diner, each bringing exclusive menus on board.
Morning eco-cruises offer a gentle start to the day with optional brunch and a quieter view of the river-to-rainforest gradient.
Throughout the season, Jasmine also hosts collaborations, chef takeovers, and one-off events that celebrate the region’s food, drinks, producers, and creative community.
The events
Jasmine’s summer calendar brings together an impressive run of collaborations, each shaped by the river’s rhythm and the region’s talent. The Linger Long Lunch Series continues through late November, with midday cruises on 23, 26 and 30 November, all led by Maria’s and paired with optional wine selections from Luna Wine Store. These afternoons move gently from standing canapés into a seated multi-course service, designed to unfold with the changing light.
December opens with The Hut on the Water on 5 December, an eight-course experience by Chef Bruno that mirrors the landscape, beginning bright and fresh before easing into richer, slower flavours as the river settles into the afternoon. Two days later, on 7 December, Jasmine teams up with Azteca Margarita for an open-deck session built around salt-rimmed glasses, coastal-Mex snacks from Maria’s, and sunshine-heavy music.
After the festive rush, Light Years on the Water arrives on 5 January, bringing the restaurant’s signature flavours aboard for a roaming canapé experience across both decks, bold, bright dishes moving with the boat as it glides between river bends.
And as the year closes, Jasmine prepares for New Year’s Eve on 31 December, a more elevated take on the night that leans into champagne, curated menus, and a slow, scenic farewell to the year.
Across all of these, the through-line is the same: a focus on food, music, atmosphere, and the natural pace of the river, events that feel considered, not themed, and perfectly aligned with the setting.
The private charters
For groups seeking something more tailored, Jasmine also operates as a private charter for up to 70 guests.
Expect an open-air cocktail bar, a commercial kitchen, multi-level seating zones, architectural finishes, a VOID sound system, and an experienced crew across every journey. It’s a refined option for celebrations, brand events, pre-wedding gatherings or long lunches on the water.
Our take
The Northern Rivers has strong hospitality, but an elevated on-water experience like this is new. Jasmine brings a sense of ease and intention, a blend of design, food, music and scenery delivered with restraint and clarity.
If Byron Bay is on your summer itinerary, M.V. Jasmine is worth adding to your plans. It’s scenic, calm, beautifully considered, and introduces a fresh way to experience the region, all from the deck of a very good-looking boat.
