%3Aformat(webp)%2Fprovider%2F153dc874-ddb1-40c4-93a7-a38e4e4e1b4f-1726642377183.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Length
8 Days
Ship category
Luxury
Ship type
Small Ships
Capacity
38 Passengers
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fheader_media%2Fe154e18a-3f1d-4c91-b12c-ad420dcd2ffb-paddle-steamer---steaming-in-distance---v2.png&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fprovider%2F758e6e2c-61a5-48a4-a65b-f74b9cb8bd4b-deckplan.png&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fprovider%2F3e757cab-b0f0-4db6-978a-437af86c2d93-fie-box.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
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
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fservice%2F8821cb02-2a4b-4968-aa4d-4bed3287b439-queen-stateroom---green_high_resolution.png&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fservice%2Fd16fd83b-bac3-48c3-8590-f6adf1bc716d-queen-suite_high_resolution.png&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fservice%2F8aec30e2-345f-433d-b8e2-0a2b3324ed0d-king-suite_high_resolution.png&w=1920&q=75)
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.
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fday_detail%2F95a711ca-87c7-43e7-b7b5-252dc5ec6a37-untitled-3497_high_resolution.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fday_detail%2F6f1b8fe9-1745-45d2-b8a4-d66c587512ed-photo-253.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fday_detail%2F44b7d1fd-2939-4064-80c7-c42909abc746-untitled-3493_high_resolution.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Torrumbarry Weir
Welcome aboard, your journey begins with a scenic coach transfer from Echuca to Torrumbarry, where the majestic PS Australian Star awaits. As you step aboard, you’ll be welcomed into a world of timeless river charm. Once underway, settle in with a traditional afternoon Devonshire tea as Australian Star gently cruises upstream—your first taste of life on the Murray.
Take in the tranquil beauty of the riverbanks, get acquainted with your fellow travellers, or visit the wheelhouse for a friendly chat with the Captain and a behind-the-scenes look at Australian Star’s authentic wood-fired steam engine. Or unwind in the comfort of your private Stateroom and let the river’s rhythm ease you into holiday mode.
As the sun dips low, the evening begins with a drink in the Hopwood Lounge & Bar – enjoy a local wine, craft beer or cocktail while the bushland comes alive with the calls of native birds and the sight of kangaroos emerging from the shadows.
Dinner is a highlight of the evening: an à la carte delight made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Afterward, we moor at Norris Bend, where—weather permitting—a crackling riverside campfire awaits. Gather with new friends under a blanket of stars, sharing stories and soaking in the peace of the Australian bush.
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fday_detail%2Ff29dee51-e1d4-4045-8c58-5a516e4124b9-106123-3.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fday_detail%2Ff29dee51-e1d4-4045-8c58-5a516e4124b9-106123-3.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fday_detail%2F094a0432-97fc-4de7-a513-5bedfa836a38-untitled-3569_800px.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
For early risers and photography enthusiasts, morning mist drifting over Perricoota Station offers a magical start to the day. Keep an eye out for native wildlife stirring along the banks—a peaceful and unforgettable moment best enjoyed with a warm cup in hand.
After a hearty breakfast, PS Australian Star steams gracefully upstream, continuing her journey toward tonight’s destination at the tranquil Layfield Lane mooring. This is a day for pure relaxation—lounge on the sun deck with a book, enjoy quiet moments watching the ever-changing scenery, or simply savour the gentle rhythm of the river.
As evening falls, the day culminates in a signature riverside experience—our much-loved Australian BBQ dinner under the stars (weather permitting). Tables set with soft candlelight and the crackle of a nearby campfire create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy live entertainment as you unwind with fellow guests, sharing stories and laughter beneath the southern sky.
Retire to your stateroom with a heart full of river memories and the sounds of the bush all around.
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fday_detail%2F8347f8ab-0b35-48c1-b34a-3f7a6426c156-untitled-3499_high_resolution.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2F9115d1be-172c-4bc8-affd-b16a334cc058-106185-56.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2F1565605f-58ab-422f-8cad-3d5672c22cca-109421-56.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Henry Hopwood Town Tour
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast aboard PS Australian Star, fueling up for a fascinating half-day adventure that brings Echuca’s rich history to life.
Disembark for the Henry Hopwood Town Tour, a guided journey through Echuca’s historic heart. Discover the stories behind landmarks such as Hopwood’s Punt and the innovative pontoon bridge—the original Murray River crossing devised by the town’s founder, Henry Hopwood.
Then, step aboard the lovingly restored PS Canberra, a 113-year-old paddlesteamer built in 1912 from sturdy red gum timber. Cruise the river aboard this historic vessel and imagine life during the height of the paddle steamer era. After your cruise, enjoy free time for a self-guided walking tour of the Port of Echuca precinct. Explore museums, heritage buildings, artisan shops, and cafes at your own pace, soaking in the atmosphere of one of Australia’s most iconic river ports.
Return to PS Australian Star for lunch as your river journey continues upstream. Cruise past the imposing Port of Echuca Wharf, once home to more than 100 paddle steamers during its 19th-century heyday. In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner, cruising upriver of Echuca. Reflect on your unforgettable journey, share stories with fellow guests, and toast to the magic of the Murray River one last time.
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fday_detail%2F41c0eb50-4290-46b5-9c26-3012bd724abe-109609-56.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fhighlight%2Fc6c8b788-6d33-41f9-bc28-1bd1962fbfca-109610-56.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fhighlight%2F8e658603-90e6-4f65-aa9e-19a44151bfce-109604-56.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Colbinabbin Silo Art
Today’s journey takes you beyond the riverbanks on a fascinating half-day land expedition celebrating regional creativity and community spirit. Your morning begins with a visit to the stunning silo art installations at Rochester and Colbinabbin—towering, hand-painted masterpieces that capture the stories, people, and landscapes of the Murray River region. These monumental artworks are not only visually breathtaking but also offer a powerful tribute to rural Australia’s identity and resilience.
Following your art-filled adventure, enjoy a relaxed lunch at a much-loved country pub, where warm hospitality, hearty fare, and a sense of genuine community await. Take the opportunity to meet the friendly owners, engage in conversation with local characters, and soak in the charm of small-town Victoria.
Upon returning to the PS Australian Star, spend a tranquil afternoon cruising downstream. Unwind with a Devonshire tea served on deck as the river gently glides by, creating the perfect setting for rest and reflection. As evening draws near, the experience continues at Layfield Lane, where a signature Australian BBQ dinner awaits on the riverbank. Under a canopy of stars, gather around a crackling campfire with live entertainment, enjoying music, conversation, and the magic of the Murray by night.
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fhighlight%2Fd860f251-9e94-4a17-884f-bed4e548f8e9-109560-56.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fday_detail%2F5df8ea0d-8cf5-486d-a1f7-62108d1393a8-photo-81.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fday_detail%2F49b08979-179b-4f33-8c86-6faa142eb3ea-photo-83.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fday_detail%2F9efdae96-d9b5-48c9-95df-89e3e2cab16b-ps-mansion-day_high_resolution.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fday_detail%2Fea4f53c4-6308-4b39-b78e-0fb075253275-img_3665_high_resolution.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fday_detail%2Fb54236b9-c4f7-41e2-a5cd-ccd41ca45deb-img_e3659_high_resolution.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
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 before PS Australian Star continues downstream. Enjoy the ever-changing scenery from the deck or saloon, 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.
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fday_detail%2F6f1b8fe9-1745-45d2-b8a4-d66c587512ed-photo-253.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fdestination%2F360ad5ea-5de0-4530-9853-1a16cf5a2144-img_3745_high_resolution.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2F2f087def-c0ff-4532-8bec-e49fe97bf0fc-109738-56.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
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 2.4 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
Historic Perricoota Station
St Anne’s Winery
Rochester and Colbinabbin Silo Art
The Great Aussie Beer Shed & Heritage Farm Museum
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.
Our specialists consider the 7-night All the Rivers Run Cruise to be the pinnacle of luxury river expeditions in Australia, capturing the romantic spirit of traditional paddle steamer travel in unparalleled comfort. Over eight unforgettable days, guests enjoy a carefully curated mix of pioneering heritage, regional culinary achievements, and peaceful Victoria countryside. Each day is shaped by immersive, expert-led shore excursions and warm social occasions, transitioning into elegant starlit evenings with campfires, live regional music, and excellent fine dining.
Physical demands remain low and highly adaptable, featuring easy guided strolls and accessible transfers. Guests who prefer a more relaxed pace can easily choose to stay on board the PS Australian Star, taking in the magnificent passing red gum forests, local wildlife, and elegant saloon spaces. For travelers seeking a sophisticated, deep-dive journey into Australia's grandest river-corridor, this expedition stands out as an exceptional, premium hallmark experience.