Murray River Paddlesteamers has locked in key dates for PS Australian Star, Australia’s first five-star, overnight river vessel, ahead of its debut on the Murray River in February 2026 with three to seven-night cruises from Echuca.
Inaugural cruise departs 23 February 2026
The line has confirmed PS Australian Star’s first commercial sailing will depart Echuca on 23 February 2026, operating as a seven-night cruise chartered by APT Luxury Travel. Murray River Paddlesteamers says APT has secured close to half of the vessel’s departures across 2026 and 2027.
Christening locked in at Perricoota Station, with Kathryn Mackenzie OAM named godmother
The $11 million paddlesteamer will be officially christened on 20 February 2026 at historic Perricoota Station near Echuca, using local wine.
Former Echuca tourism leader and regional tourism industry expert Kathryn Mackenzie OAM has been named godmother of PS Australian Star. Mackenzie, awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 2021 for her contribution to tourism in regional Victoria, said the new vessel would help position Echuca as an international river cruise destination.
Five-star small-ship river cruising on the Murray
Carrying 38 guests, PS Australian Star is being billed as the largest paddlesteamer in the Southern Hemisphere and the only wood-fired, five-star, accommodated paddlesteamer in the world.
Onboard highlights include a deluxe lounge, gourmet restaurant, expansive outdoor relaxation areas, a passenger lift servicing all decks and 19 staterooms opening to a deck. Murray River Paddlesteamers says all staterooms include an ensuite, air-conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi and luxury linen, with the vessel powered by a modern hybrid diesel/steam system incorporating a 1907 wood-fired steam engine.
Victorian Government funding and regional tourism boost
Murray River Paddlesteamers director Craig Burgess said the launch will mark a major milestone for Australian river cruising, citing strong forward demand for 2026 and 2027.
The operator also acknowledged Victorian Government support, stating it received $2.25 million through the Regional Tourism Investment Fund. Victoria’s Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said the vessel is expected to deliver a unique tourism drawcard and support spending across Echuca and the wider region.
Earlybird offer targets 2027 sailings, plus agent commission
Murray River Paddlesteamers is offering earlybird incentives for seven-night 2027 cruises sailing between 1 January and 31 August 2027, for bookings made from 1 January to 28 February 2026 via https://www.mrps.com.au (conditions apply, subject to availability). Inclusions are:
- $100 saving per person
- Free hotel stay for two guests before or after the cruise at either Mercure Port of Echuca or The Savoy Melbourne
- Entry into a draw to win $1,000 off the total stateroom fare (drawn 1 March 2026)
Fares for a seven-night cruise in 2027 are listed from A$6,450 per person twin-share (including the $100 saving). The fare package includes return rail transfers between Melbourne and Echuca, meals, daily shore excursions and experiences, cruise transfers, Wi-Fi, gratuities, selected beers and wines with dinner, plus soft drinks, bottled water and tea/coffee throughout.
Murray River Paddlesteamers also advises travel advisors receive a 10 per cent commission.
