A beach march for competing Aussies

Not every Australian athlete can make the opening ceremony so some marched in the streets of Rio instead.

A rowdy crowd of athletes in their official uniforms marched to a samba beat along Ipanema Beach on Friday, attracting a crowd of locals.

Road cyclist Rachel Neylan is a first time Olympian and will compete on Sunday, meaning she will miss out on the Friday night ceremony.

"We've just got a 15 minute window to come out and wear the uniform on opening ceremony night," she told AAP.

"Rio are really putting on a show so far."

With a drum group keeping the rhythm, the Australian contingent gathered local onlookers as they walked along the famous beach.

Rower Will Lockwood said it was "fantastic" to get out and see some of the city.

"It's such a good vibe, just Rio turning it on along the beach, it's been awesome," he told AAP.