AUSTRALIA’S first five-star river ship is taking shape in Mildura, as work begins on the bow and superstructure of the luxury $6.75 million paddlesteamer.
Murray River Paddlesteamers’ Australian Star is being built in a specially designed shed beside the Murray River and after her launch in April 2025, will offer year-round, all-inclusive, overnight cruises on the Murray River from Echuca.
The largest paddlesteamer in the southern hemisphere and the only wood-fired, five-star accommodated paddlesteamer in the world, the Australian Star has been backed by $2.25 million in funding by the Victorian Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund and will succeed the smaller 16-guest PS Emmylou, which currently offers overnight cruises on the Murray.
Murray River Paddlesteamers director Craig Burgess said fares would be released in October this year and advance bookings would also open then, but the new build had already drawn interest from consumers and the travel industry.
“Many people have already registered on our VIP registration list, which gives them the opportunity to be among the first to sail aboard Australian Star with exclusive offers,” Mr Burgess said.
“And we’ve had very strong interest from tour companies and travel agents wanting to book group space aboard the vessel for their own holiday packages,” he said.
“It’s obvious already that Australian Star will prove incredibly popular and successful, drawing new high-yield domestic and international visitors to the Murray region as well as lucrative tour group business.”
The 35m, 38-guest Australian Star will boast a deluxe and contemporary lounge offering sweeping river vistas, a fine-dining restaurant, multiple outdoor relaxation areas, the company’s first elevator for access to all levels, and 19 modern staterooms, all opening to a deck and offering an ensuite.
It will sport a modern, energy-efficient, hybrid diesel/steam propulsion system featuring a vintage, refurbished 1907 Richard Garrett and Sons wood-fired steam engine.
