An exciting new era in Australian river cruising is getting closer, with the debut this December of Australia’s first five-star, overnight riverboat, the brand, new PS Australian Star, which will offer multi-day cruises on the Murray River from Echuca in Victoria.
To help solo travellers enjoy the brand new vessel, Murray River Paddlesteamers is offering special single passenger savings on two, three-night summer sailings aboard PS Australian Star departing on January 9 and 16, 2026. The standard 75 per cent solo surcharge has been reduced to just 30 per cent for these two sailings, with a Queen Bed Stateroom now available from A$3470 per person, for a solo traveller – a saving of A$1202.
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.
Book by August 31, 2025. Subject to conditions and availability.
Call Murray River Paddlesteamers on 03 5482 5244 or visit 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.
* Murray River Paddlesteamers offers a 10 per cent commission for travel agents booking Australian Star sailings plus bonuses for multiple bookings.
