A new era in Australian river cruising will unfold from June, 2025 when Australia’s first five-star, overnight riverboat, the brand, new PS Australian Star, will start offering cruises up to a week long on the Murray River. And to inspire Australians to be amongst the first onboard, Murray River Paddlesteamers is offering early bird savings on all suite bookings and a bar credit for bookings made by June 30, 2024.
Work to build the luxury, 38-guest vessel is continuing at great pace . Fusing heritage and contemporary elegance, PS Australian Star will be the first five-star river vessel in Australia, the largest paddlesteamer in the Southern Hemisphere and the only wood-fired, five-star, accommodated paddlesteamer in the world.
The new $6.75 million vessel will begin offering year-round, all-inclusive cruises of between three and seven nights on the Murray River from Echuca in Victoria from June, 2025, succeeding the current, smaller vessel, the 16-guest paddlesteamer, Emmylou .
Backed by $2.25 million in funding by the Victorian Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund, PS Australian Star will boast a deluxe lounge offering sweeping river vistas, a fine-dining restaurant, multiple outdoor relaxation areas and 19 sleek staterooms, all opening to a deck and offering an ensuite, air-conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, luxury linen and a TV entertainment system as well as ever-changing river views.
The modern-day paddlesteamer will also sport a modern, energy-efficient, hybrid diesel/steam propulsion system featuring the 1907 wood-fired steam engine, adding a touch of nostalgia and authenticity to the journey.
Savings and bonuses for earlybird suite bookings – book by June 30, 2024
Earlybird savings of ten per cent for premium suite bookings and a $100 bar credit per suite are available for bookings for PS Australian Star made by June 30, 2024. The offer applies to sailings from June 23, 2025, to December 31, 2026, subject to availability. Including the suite discount, fares for a three-night cruise will be available from $2970 per person, twin-share, in a suite, a four-night cruise from $3960 per person, twin-share, in a suite, and a seven-night cruise from $6930 per person, twin-share, in a suite.
Fares include onboard meals, daily shore excursions and experiences, V/Line rail transport between Melbourne and Echuca, cruise transfers, Wi-Fi, gratuities, selected beers and wines with dinner and soft drink, bottled water and tea/coffee throughout the cruise.
To book, call Murray River Paddlesteamers on 03 5482 5244 or visit www.mrps.com.au
* Murray River Paddlesteamers offers a 10 per cent commission for travel agents booking Australian Star sailings plus bonuses for multiple bookings.
