New luxury paddle steamer to operate on the River Murray

Murray River Paddlesteamers has announced that it will be introducing a new five-star, multi-million dollar craft on the River Murray as of late 2024.

Set to offer Australia’s first luxury river cruise experience, the new 20-cabin paddlesteamer will feature a fine dining restaurant and function space along with lounges and bars across two levels for up to 40 passengers

Offering three, four and seven-night cruises year-round, passengers on board the new vessel will experience the Murray River region, with extra experiences such as silo art tours on offer.

Backed by a $2.25 million injection from the Victorian Government, the 35 metre-long PS Australian Star will be built in Mildura and operate out of Echuca.

Announcing the new attraction, Murray River Paddlesteamers Managing Director, Rohan Burgess stated “we are very excited to expand our operation and offer this new experience on the Murray River soon.

"Australians love cruising, and they love the Murray River - but they want comfort and facilities akin to those on European rivers.”

Announced that the funding for the boat would come from the state’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund, Victorian Tourism Minister, Steve Dimopoulos added “Victoria’s river country is already a compelling destination to visitors from across the world, and this latest attraction will draw even more visitors, support the communities that call them home and create more jobs.”

Murray Regional Tourism interim Chief Executive Will Flamsteed said the new cruise would hopefully increase the average length of visitor stays on current cruises while boosting average guest spending.

Flamsteed noted “this development will further enhance the Murray River’s luxury cruise offerings and will encourage more overnight stays to this beautiful region.”

In 2019, about 1.2 million people visited the Campaspe local government area, spending about $326 million.

Image: Artist impressions of the PS Australian Star which will operate out of Echuca. Credit: Murray River Paddlesteamers.