An Australian Star!
Murray River Paddlesteamers is introducing a brand new ship to service the Australian market, the PS Australian Star.
It represents the pride, heritage and the pinnacle of luxury river cruising along the historical Murray River.
It will launch in June 2025, where it will redefine river cruising by offering year-round, all-inclusive overnight experiences, ranging from three to seven day itineraries.
Nestled along the banks of the mighty Murray River, the quaint town of Echuca stands after being founded by ex-convict Henry Hopwood over a hundred years ago.. It is steeped in the small-town charm that exists across Australian country towns. Echuca invites visitors to wander through its old streets and cross its even older bridges, where traditional paddle steamers sail underneath evoking a bygone era.
The iconic Echuca Wharf, adorned with paddle steamers like the PS Emmylou, and now the PS Australian Star, adds a touch of maritime allure. Visitors can embark on leisurely cruises, retracing the river routes that were once vital arteries of trade and transportation. Echuca’s paddle steamers, lovingly restored, now serve as floating museums, narrating tales of the river’s heyday.
Like all Murray River Paddlesteamer vessels, the PS Australian Star is a masterpiece. A living testament of the artistry and engineering which defined an entire era. Witness the authentic 1907 wood-fired steam engine, as it rhythmically churns the paddlewheel to propel the vessel forward onto a leisurely journey along the zig-zagging Murray River.
It is named in honour of Australia’s Southern Cross, the Australian Star invites you to explore the opulent interiors, with refined cabins and lounges exuding an unmistakable air of refinement. It has a fully fitted Randell Dining Room, paying homage to the pioneering journey of William Randell, each space, each plank, each nail is a chapter in a captivating narrative which embodies the PS Australian Star.
We invite you to consider a journey aboard this new vessel, as well as explore what else Murray River Paddlesteamers has to offer.