Luxury paddlesteamer idea floated

May 5, 2023

The PS Emmylou (above) is set to replaced by a three-deck paddlesteamer offering luxury trips along the Murray. Photo by Supplied

A mock-up of the *PS Australian Star* expected to be ready to sail in 2025 from the Port of Echuca.

Victoria is one step closer to building Australia’s first five-star river cruiser with construction starting on the luxury PS Australian Star paddlesteamer.

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Victorian Regional Development Minister Harriet Shing this week announced that works were under way on the state-of-the-art vessel in Mildura, backed by a $2.25 million investment from the Regional Tourism Investment Fund.

Coined the PS Australian Star, the project is being delivered by Murray River Paddlesteamers and will create 13 jobs during construction and a further 16 ongoing jobs when it begins cruising in 2025.

Built in Mildura and operating from the Port of Echuca, the vessel will provide a luxury cruise along the Murray for up to 38 guests.

Journeys of three, four and seven-night stays will be available, with opportunities to explore riverside communities along the way.

“When she sails along the Murray for the first time in 2025, PS Australian Star will offer the ultimate in river cruising luxury, ushering in a new era for tourism in Australia,” Murray River Paddlesteamers director Craig Burgess said.

The PS Australian Star will feature up to 19 ensuite cabins, a fine dining restaurant and function space, a guest lounge with panoramic views and bars across two levels. It will provide accessible cabins, an elevator for access to all levels and multiple outdoor relaxation areas.

The three-deck PS Australian Star will replace the smaller 16-guest PS Emmylou paddlesteamer, which offers overnight cruises on the Murray.

The new vessel will include an energy-efficient hybrid diesel and a steam propulsion system featuring a refurbished 1907 wood-fired steam engine.

“This is an Australian-first project proudly made in regional Victoria,” Ms Shing said.

“It will bring more people to experience the wonder of the Murray — backing local jobs, businesses and tourism in Victoria’s beautiful and historic river country.”