Australia’s first-ever luxury, overnight paddlesteamer is currently undergoing water tests and final touches before the AUD$11 million PS Australian Star makes her debut in February 2026.
The newest vessel for Murray River Paddlesteamers (part of APT Group) had her first floatout in Mildura and sailed up the Murray to Echuca for final works ahead of her inaugural season in February and formal christening in March 2026.
After 32 months of construction, the final two months will see the upper deck completed and the fitout of all cabins before she embarks on three-, four- and seven-night cruises from Echuca, Victoria in February 2026.
PS Australian Star replicates the historic 19th-century charm of Victoria’s Murray River paddlesteamers with luxurious, modern amenities, including an energy-efficient, hybrid diesel/steam propulsion system using a 1907 wood-fired steam engine.
She will offer a deluxe lounge, gourmet restaurant, a lift to all levels and outdoor relaxation areas – all with river views.
The 19 staterooms with ensuites and decks will feature air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi and luxury linen.
The history-making vessel is the first 5-star river vessel in Australia, the largest steamboat in the Southern Hemisphere and the world’s only wood-fired paddlesteamer with luxury accommodations.
APT will charter 45 per cent of Australian Star’s sailings, which joins Murray River Paddlesteamer’s 16-guest PS Emmylou paddlesteamer sailing from Echuca.
Murray River Paddlesteamers Director Craig Burgess said: “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.”
“There has been a clear demand for a world-class, 5-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.”
For more information, visit murrayriverpaddlesteamers.com.au
