Australia's first five-star overnight riverboat, the Australian Star, is set to launch on the Murray River in Echuca, Victoria, late this summer.
Murray River Paddlesteamers has announced enticing bonuses for those booking 2027 sailings, with most staterooms already reserved for 2026.
Travellers booking a seven-night cruise between 1 January and 31 August 2027 can enjoy a $100 saving per person, a complimentary hotel night in Echuca or Melbourne, and a chance to win $1,000 off their total stateroom fare.
Bookings for the 2027 sailings are open until 28 February 2026. Fares start at $4,100 (A$6,450) per person, twin-share, including meals, excursions, and transfers.
Interested travellers can book through Murray River Paddlesteamers' website using the code 'Astar100.'
Where tradition meets contemporary elegance
The Australian Star, a 38-guest vessel, combines heritage charm with modern luxury, and is the largest paddlesteamer in the Southern Hemisphere as well as the only wood-fired, five-star accommodated paddlesteamer globally.
The $11 million vessel replicates a 19th-century paddlesteamer, featuring a deluxe lounge with river views, a gourmet restaurant, and 19 staterooms with ensuite facilities, air-conditioning, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Equipped with a hybrid diesel/steam propulsion system, the Australian Star offers an authentic experience with a 1907 wood-fired steam engine.
Guests will enjoy immersive journeys through the Murray River's landscapes, with excursions to farm stations, wineries, and heritage towns.
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