Murray River Paddlesteamers has released renderings of what the interiors will look like on Australia’s first five-star river ship, PS Australian Star, which will begin operations from Echuca in Victoria in April, 2025. The game-changing vessel is being built beside the Murray River in Mildura.
Backed by $2.25 million in funding by the Victorian Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund, PS Australian Star fuses heritage charm with contemporary elegance and luxury. Stretching 35m, the $6.75 million PS Australian Star will become Australia’s first five-star river cruise experience, the largest paddlesteamer in the Southern Hemisphere and the only wood-fired, five-star accommodated paddlesteamer in the world.
The sneak peek renders reveal a deluxe, contemporary bar and restaurant and plush cabins on the luxury, 38-guest vessel which will offer year-round, all-inclusive, overnight cruises on the Murray River, succeeding the smaller and older, 16-guest PS Emmylou which currently offers overnight cruises on the Murray.
Caddell Dining Room
The three-deck ship will be 60 per cent larger than PS Emmylou, with more expansive and contemporary amenities including the panoramic Hopwood Lounge, multiple outdoor relaxation areas, the company’s first elevator for easy access to all levels and the Cadell Restaurant serving a different, fine-dining menu every day championing fresh, local produce.
PS Australian Star will also offer 19 modern and elegant staterooms, all opening to a deck and offering ever-changing river views, an ensuite, air-conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, luxury linen and a TV entertainment system – a true sanctuary on the water.
King Suite
Innovation will be at the heart of PS Australian Star, which will boast 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.
Last-minute savings for couples and solos for 2023 winter cruises aboard PS Emmylou
Meanwhile, Murray River Paddlesteamers is offering last-minute savings of 10 per cent and a cut in the solo surcharge for overnight cruises from Echuca this winter aboard its current, 16-guest boutique riverboat, PS Emmylou. And if you cruise this July, you’ll also receive free entry to the spectacular Moama Lights Festival on the river.
The savings are for all overnight cruises this June, July and August. Including the discount, twin-share fares this winter are available from $1521 per person for a three-night sailing, $2070 per person for a four-night cruise and $3582 for the new seven-night journey. Solo fares on the winter sailings this year are now available from $2451 for a three-night cruise, $3335 for a four-night sailing and $5771 for a seven-night journey.
Plus, all guests on sailings from 1-23 July 2023 will receive free tickets to see the spectacular Moama Lights Festival near Echuca.
Murray River Paddlesteamers offers a 10 per cent commission for travel agents. Call 03 5482 5244.
TOP IMAGE: Render of Hopwood Bar on the new PS Australian Star
