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Length
4 Days
Ship category
Luxury
Ship type
Small Ships
Capacity
38 Passengers
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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 … Read more about PS Australian Star
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Transfers to and from ship
Bar
Observation Deck
Observation Lounge
All meals
Air conditioning & private bathroom
Water, Coffee, Tea & fresh juices
Elevator
English guides
Restaurant
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.
Keep in mind this is an expedition cruise, so your itinerary will depend greatly on the weather, amount of ice and wildlife breeding behavior.
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Your journey begins as PS Australian Star departs from Echuca, gently gliding along the mighty Murray River. Settle into life on board with a traditional afternoon Devonshire tea, served as the scenery unfolds—majestic river red gums, birdlife, and tranquil waters setting the tone for the days ahead. Spend time getting to know your fellow travellers or visit the wheelhouse for a chat with the Captain, who will share stories of Australian Star’s unique wood-fired heritage and her place in paddle steamer history. Or simply retreat to your private cabin and ease into holiday mode.
As the day draws to a close, Happy Hour begins in the Hopwood Lounge & Bar. Sip on a local wine, craft beer or cocktail as the sky transforms into shades of gold and rose. Soon, PS Australian Star arrives at her Layfield Lane mooring, where a truly special evening awaits.
Enjoy a grand Australian BBQ dinner on the riverbank, with tables aglow under candlelight and stars overhead. Relax by the campfire with live entertainment and warm company, soaking in the peaceful ambience of the bush as your first day on the river comes to a magical close.
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Start your day with a hearty breakfast aboard PS Australian Star before stepping ashore for a truly memorable half-day land and river tour. Your first stop is the uniquely Australian Great Aussie Beer Shed & Heritage Farm Museum—a quirky and fascinating collection showcasing over 20,000 pieces of memorabilia, from vintage beer cans and iconic advertising to historic farming equipment. It’s a lively, nostalgic look at Australian culture and ingenuity.
After your tour, we head to the award-winning St Anne’s Winery for a delicious lunch paired with tastings of their exceptional table and fortified wines. Meet the winemakers and savour the best of regional hospitality in a picturesque setting.
Return to Australian Star in the afternoon as she continues her journey downstream toward Deep Creek Marina. As evening falls, relax on board with a special screening of “Riverboats Remembered”, an evocative documentary featuring archival footage that brings the rich history of the Murray River and its paddlesteamers to life.
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Torrumbarry Weir
Today, PS Australian Star sets off on a full-day cruising adventure to the impressive Torrumbarry Weir, offering a day rich in natural beauty, historic encounters, and unforgettable river moments.
Your journey begins with a mid-morning stop at the iconic Perricoota Station, a historic riverside property steeped in local heritage. Join the Captain for an engaging guided walking tour through beautifully preserved buildings and manicured grounds, gaining a deeper appreciation for the station’s role in the Murray River’s storied past.
As the Australian Star continues upstream, enjoy the ever-changing scenery from the Hopwood Lounge & Bar’s expansive deck with time to relax and reflect. Upon arriving at Torrumbarry Weir, you’ll disembark for a guided exploration of the weir and lock system, first constructed in 1923. Visit the Interpretive Centre, where interactive exhibits bring the Murray-Darling Basin’s complex water management and ecological significance to life.
As your final evening aboard approaches, gather for a farewell dinner hosted by the Captain—a memorable occasion that begins with canapés and drinks at sunset, served as golden light dances across the water. Then, enjoy a delicious dinner under the stars, soaking in the serenity of the river and the camaraderie of your fellow travellers. It’s the perfect finale to your time aboard the elegant PS Australian Star
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As the sun rises on your final morning aboard PS Australian Star, early risers are invited to take a peaceful stroll along the riverbank, soaking up the stillness of the Murray and the soft morning light—one last moment to connect with the beauty of the bush.
After a relaxed breakfast on board, it’s time to say goodbye to the crew and your fellow travellers, bringing to a close a truly unforgettable journey filled with history, nature, fine food, and warm hospitality.
A courtesy coach transfer will return you comfortably to Echuca, with drop-offs at local car parking, train station, and CBD hotels. Though your cruise may be over, the memories of life aboard Australian Star and the charm of the Murray will linger long after you return home.
When booking online, you can choose the option to "Upgrade to single occupancy". This will guarantee you the whole cabin to yourself, for an additional fee. If you don't select this option, then another traveler of the same sex might be placed into the same cabin with you. Exceptions may apply.
Room Amenities:2 Bottles of water on day of departure (thereafter this is provided free of charge from our restaurant or bar), Torch, Insect Repellant, Tissues,Soap, Shampoo and Conditioner
The King Suite is provided with a fully stocked mini bar which is replenished daily
Return Transfers from the partner hotel, train station or car parking facility to the vessel on day of departure and return
All regionally inspired meals - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner – Breakfast and lunch are buffet style with dinner being A-la-carte.
Selected wine and beer provided during dinner service only. Beverages are available for
purchase throughout the journey with stateroom chargeback provided
Morning and Afternoon Tea
Complimentary Barista Coffee, Fine Teas, soft drink and water
24 hour cookies/fruit, tea and coffee located in Hopwood Lounge and Bar
Premium on-shore Guided Tours
Complimentary WI-FI throughout the vessel and in Staterooms and Suites
All onboard gratuities
Alcoholic beverages outside of dinner service – chargeback facility provided
In room fridges (for the exception of the King Suite)
Souvenirs purchased onboard
Any souvenirs purchased during on-shore tours and excursions
Parking – Echuca township is 3 hours maximum parking, therefore, we provide our own secure local carparking location at a low cost of $25 per day per vehicle for your clients convenience
Due to space limitations, you may bring a maximum of 15kg of luggage aboard.
It is strongly encouraged that you are adequately insured for the duration of your cruise.
If you require medical attention during the trip, medical services will be provided at local facilities.
Special dietary requests are required to be notified to us at the time of booking.
Please note that cash is not accepted on board the vessel and card payments are subject to processing fees.
Long-haul flights and the on-the-ground program generate 1.2 t CO₂e on this trip. Rivertours regularly measures and monitors the carbon footprint of its journeys and actively reduces emissions through sustainable travel design: no unnecessary flights, fewer feeder flights, integration of rail and public transport, and promoting longer stays for a more balanced relationship between travel distance and impact.
From 2018 to 2024, we supported carbon reduction projects equivalent to the emissions generated. Recognizing the limits of traditional offsetting, we now focus on active environmental protection through our own rainforest project, Forest Guardians.
More information on our climate and environmental responsibility: https://www.venturatravel.org/impact
Price
Upon Request
The Rhythmic Scent of Red Gum & Steam
An Authentic Riverside Bush BBQ
Heritage Legends & Regional Wine
Pioneering Estates & Torrumbarry Weir
Best Price Guarantee: Find a better price elsewhere, and we’ll match it.
River Cruise Specialists: We focus exclusively on river expeditions, with recommendations grounded in first-hand expertise.
Travel that gives back: Every booking directly supports rainforest conservation project.
This three-night journey beautifully balances historical storytelling with Australia’s serene river wilderness. We highly recommend this experience for travelers seeking a mix of cultural heritage and slow-paced nature. Shore excursions are interactive yet gentle, featuring guided winery lunches, historical tours of Perricoota Station, and an authentic riverside barbecue under the stars. Onboard life is highly accessible compared to other river expeditions, with a premier passenger elevator connecting all decks to nineteen luxuriously appointed staterooms.
For active guests, the daily shore walks offer perfect leg stretches, while non-active travelers will love the rich onboard lectures, birdwatching from the sun deck, and viewing the active 1907 wood-fired steam engine. It is an exceptionally comfortable, low-impact introduction to expedition cruising.
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