An exciting new era in Australian river cruising is getting closer, with the debut this year of Australia’s first five-star, overnight riverboat, the brand, new PS Australian Star, which will offer cruises up to a week long on the Murray River from Echuca in Victoria.
With 75 per cent of cabins for 2026 sailings for Australian Star now booked, Murray River Paddlesteamers has opened for sale all 2027 departures, with a 15 per cent earlybird discount announced for bookings made on seven-night cruises in 2027. Book by June 30, 2025 on www.mrps.com.au.
Rob Blackburn – 2009 – The Murray
The 38-guest PS Australian Star, which is currently under construction in Mildura, fuses heritage and contemporary elegance and 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.
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 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.
The new $7 million vessel will begin offering year-round cruises of between three and seven nights on the Murray River from Echuca from spring, 2025.
With direct and charter bookings already filling 75 per cent of cabins for 2026, Murray River Paddlesteamers has released for sale all 2027 departures, with a 15 per cent earlybird saving of 15 per cent on seven-night sailings throughout 2027.
Including the 15 per cent discount, fares for a seven-night cruise aboard Australian Star in 2027 are available from $5338 per person, twin-share – a saving of $942. The offer, which also includes a $100 per stateroom onboard bar credit, is available until June 30, 2025, and is subject to conditions and availability.
Fares include onboard meals, daily shore excursions and experiences, 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.
