Australia’s first five-star river ship, Australian Star, is taking shape as work begins on the bow and superstructure of the luxury $6.75 million paddlesteamer.
Anticipation from consumers and the travel industry for the game-changing vessel is building, with would-be guests joining a first-chance-to-book registration list for the opening of reservations in October 2023.
Murray River Paddlesteamers is also fielding approaches from many tour companies and travel agents keen to book group advance space and create package holidays on the 38-guest ship, launching in 2025.
Australian Star is being built in a specially designed shed beside the Murray River in Mildura and after her launch in April 2025, will offer year-round, all-inclusive, overnight cruises on the Murray River from Echuca in Victoria as Australia’s first five-star river cruise product, the largest paddlesteamer in the Southern Hemisphere and the only wood-fired, five-star accommodated paddlesteamer in the world.
Fusing heritage charm with contemporary elegance and luxury, the 35m-long 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 easy access to all levels, and 19 plush and modern staterooms, all opening to a deck and offering an ensuite, air-conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, luxury linen and a TV entertainment system as well as ever-changing river views.
The ship will sport a modern, energy-efficient, hybrid diesel/steam propulsion system featuring a vintage, refurbished 1907 Richard Garrett and Sons wood-fired steam engine, adding a touch of nostalgia and authenticity to the journey.
Backed by $2.25 million in funding from the Victorian Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund, Australian Star will succeed the smaller and older, 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 2023, with advance bookings also opening then but he said the newbuild had already garnered robust interest from consumers and the travel industry.
“Many people have already registered on our VIP registration list which gives them the opportunity to be amongst the first to sail aboard Australian Star with exclusive offers,” 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.
“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.”
Murray River Paddlesteamers will offer a 10 per cent commission for travel agents booking Australian Star sailings plus bonuses for multiple bookings
