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An exciting new era in Australian river cruising is getting closer, with the debut this spring of Australia’s first five-star, overnight riverboat, the brand, new PS Australian Star, which will offer cruises of up to a week long on the Murray River from Echuca in Victoria.

Murray River Paddlesteamers is offering savings of up to 15 per cent on four summer sailings aboard PS Australian Star in January, 2026, with the bonus of a bar credit on selected journeys. Book by June 30, 2025 on www.mrps.com.au.

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.

Summer savings – January 2026 – Aboard PS Australian Star, from Echuca, Victoria

 * Three night sailing departing Echuca January 9 and 16, 2026. Fares from A$2403 per person, twin-share, which is a saving of 10 per cent

* Four and seven-night itineraries departing January 5, 2026. Four nights from A$3026 per person, twin-share, which is a saving of 15 per cent. Seven nights from A$5338, per person, twin-share, including the 15 per cent saving. Four and seven-night fares also include a bonus A$100 bar credit per cabin.

The savings and offers are for bookings made by June 30, 2025, subject to conditions and availability.

Fares include onboard meals, morning and afternoon teas, 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.