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What we love about the PS Australian Star
Heritage Meets Innovation: Cruising with a fully restored 1907 wood-fired steam engine integrated into a clean, modern hybrid-propulsion system.
True Boutique Intimacy: Catering to a maximum of just 38 guests in 19 luxurious staterooms, creating an exclusive, small-group club atmosphere on the water.
Uncompromising Accessibility: Features an internal guest lift servicing all three decks, ensuring travelers of all physical mobilities can access accommodation and public lounges.
The Ultimate All-Inclusive Service: Enjoy a completely seamless journey with regional shore excursions, culinary dining, gratuities, Wi-Fi, and return regional transfers all included.
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What we truly appreciate about the PS Australian Star is how she harmoniously bridges old-world pioneering charm and sophisticated modern luxury on Australia’s iconic Murray River. Debuting as the Southern Hemisphere’s largest paddlesteamer and the world’s only wood-fired, five-star accommodated paddle vessel, she marks a defining new chapter for Australian river cruising. Operating year-round out of the historic Victorian port town of Echuca, we believe this vessel offers the ultimate way to access the deep cultural roots, unique wildlife, and tranquil red gum forests of the region.
Days on board flow at a peaceful, rhythmic pace, driven by the soothing thresh of paddlewheels. Guests can divide their time between active nature walks, tasting regional wines, enjoying local historic tours, or simply relaxing on the expansive decks while scanning the banks for eastern grey kangaroos and sulfur-crested cockatoos. Designed to look and feel like a classic heritage vessel but built with the comforts of a contemporary luxury hotel—including an onboard guest passenger lift—the PS Australian Star effortlessly caters to both active explorers and non-active travelers seeking a refined, culturally immersive boutique cruise.
Our specialists recommend looking at river conditions and seasonal timing to maximize your journey. The Murray River undergoes seasonal water level fluctuations, but the PS Australian Star is meticulously designed with a shallow draft to navigate the winding Upper Murray year-round. The climate in Victoria's Riverina region features warm, sunny summers (ranging from 15°C to 32°C / 59°F to 90°F) and crisp, clear winters (4°C to 15°C / 39°F to 59°F). Winter and spring bring beautiful, misty mornings and robust river flows, making them exceptionally atmospheric seasons to cruise, while the summer months are perfect for sunset drinks on deck.
Due to the nature of riverbank landings and the natural bush terrain of onshore excursions, travelers should be prepared for light walking. Onshore tours typically involve walking distances of up to 300 meters over uneven terrain. While the ship is equipped with a modern elevator servicing all guest decks and welcomes guests using walking sticks or frames, it cannot accommodate wheelchairs due to the physical layout of the vessel's gangways and the natural river environment.
Transfers to and from ship
All meals
English guides
Air conditioning & private bathroom
Observation Lounge
Observation Deck
Elevator
Bar
Restaurant
Water, Coffee, Tea & fresh juices
Dining aboard the PS Australian Star is a daily celebration of the rich agricultural heritage of the Murray-Darling basin. In the elegant Randell Dining Room on the Main Deck, our guests enjoy daily-changing menus highlighting locally sourced, seasonal ingredients from nearby farms and boutique regional producers. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style, while dinner is a refined four-course à la carte experience paired with selected regional beers and wines. The Hopwood Lounge & Bar on Deck 1 provides a welcoming, atmospheric setting with full-length picturesque windows for your morning barista coffee, afternoon tea, or a signature Australian gin and tonic as the sun sets over the river red gums.
We highly value the thoughtful innovation behind the PS Australian Star’s propulsion and engineering. The vessel represents a masterful, eco-conscious synergy of historical preservation and modern engineering, pairing a fully restored, historic 1907 Richard Garrett & Sons steam engine with an advanced, highly efficient diesel-electric hybrid system. By operating as a hybrid, the ship achieves quiet cruising speeds while vastly reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Additionally, the operators implement strict onboard environmental practices, including minimizing single-use plastics, utilizing local suppliers to reduce food-mile footprints, and operating state-of-the-art waste management systems to protect the fragile Murray River ecosystem.
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