Australia’s first five-star, overnight riverboat, the brand new paddlesteamer, Australian Star, is poised to debut for Murray River Paddlesteamers in 2026. After meeting water for the first time in November and cruising up the iconic Murray River to a base near Echuca in Victoria, where final work will be completed on the $11 million, history-making vessel.
After 32 months of construction on the banks of the Murray in Mildura, the striking 220-ton riverboat slid into the river for the first time this month and sailed 748kms upriver to Torrumbarry Weir near Echuca where she arrived on November 30. Final works on Australian Star will take two months and will see the upper deck completed and all cabins and public areas fitted out before she begins her program of three, four and seven-night cruises from Echuca in February, 2026. A formal christening ceremony will be held the following month.
Replicating and celebrating the graceful charm of paddlesteamers which graced the Murray River in the 19th century, the industry-changing, 38-guest PS Australian Star, will fuse heritage and contemporary elegance as 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.
Australian Star will boast a deluxe lounge offering sweeping river vistas, a gourmet restaurant, expansive outdoor relaxation areas, a passenger lift to all decks 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 a 1907 wood-fired steam engine, adding a touch of nostalgia and authenticity to the journey.
Backed by $2.25 million in funding by the Victorian Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund, Australian Star will sail in partnership with APT which will charter 45% of sailings. Australian Star will join the smaller but famous, 16-guest paddlesteamer, PS Emmylou, which currently offers overnight cruises from Echuca. PS Emmylou will continue to offer multi-day cruises under charter for Travelmarvel
Murray River Paddlesteamers Director, Craig Burgess, said the vessel’s arrival marked both a major achievement and a welcome relief: “Seeing Australian Star pass safely through the Torrumbarry Weir was a tremendous relief, especially given the lower-than-expected water levels. It marks the culmination of a 2.5-year journey involving more than 80 Victorian suppliers and craftsmen who have poured their skill, passion and dedication into bringing this remarkable vessel to life.”
With Australian Star now positioned in the Echuca region, Mr Burgess said the final phase is well underway:
“Now that Australian Star has been floated out and has arrived in the Echuca region, we’re entering the exciting final stage of her build. The fit-out is progressing quickly, and she will make her debut in early 2026.”
Mr Burgess said the vessel represents a step-change for Australian river cruising: “Australians love cruising — and they love the Murray River. It’s an icon. But there has been a clear demand for a world-class, five-star experience that matches the standards of Europe’s great waterways. PS Australian Star will deliver exactly that. She will usher in a new era of luxury river cruising and reimagine what’s possible on the Murray.”
“We’ve seen incredibly strong demand for Australian Star, with 90 per cent of sailings already sold or chartered for 2026, and 2027 already filling fast, confirming the appetite for premium overnight cruising.
“We’re deeply grateful to the Victorian Government for supporting our vision to elevate Australian river cruising.”
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Event, Steve Dimopoulos ,said he was thrilled to celebrate this exciting milestone.
“Australian Star is a game-changer for regional tourism. This world-class, five-star paddlesteamer will not only celebrate the heritage of the Murray River but also attract visitors from across Australia and overseas, creating local jobs, delivering significant economic benefits for Victoria’s economy and helping make our state an even better place to live, work, stay and invest,” Mr Dimopoulos said.
Weaving through the timeless landscapes of the Murray River in contemporary comfort, Australian Star will offer intimate and immersive journeys through history, culture and nature, with daily excursions to farm stations, wineries and heritage towns and riverside barbecues beside crackling campfires and under starlit skies
From 2026, the striking, new vessel will offer year-round cruises of between three and seven nights on the Murray River from Echuca.
Savings released for 2026/27 sailings aboard Australian Star from Echuca, Victoria – Book by Dec 31, 2025
Murray River Paddlesteamers has announced savings of 15 per cent on any three, four or seven-night sailing aboard Australian Star from Echuca in 2026 or 2027. Including the 15 per cent saving, fares are available from A$2270 per person, twin-share, for a three-night cruise – a saving of A$400 per person.
Fares include return rail transfers from Melbourne to Echuca, onboard meals, 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.
