PS Australian Star
Australian Star Opening Special - Save 10%
Embark on a journey of unprecedented luxury and charm with our exclusive Opening Special for the PS Australian Star! For a limited time, we invite you to secure your voyage and save 10% on all departures from September 1st, 2025, to May 31st, 2026.
- Unmatched Savings: Enjoy an exclusive 10% discount on every departure during this special period.
- Premiere Luxury: Immerse yourself in the opulence of the PS Australian Star, the epitome of river cruising excellence.
- Flexible Dates: Choose from a range of departure dates, allowing you to plan your ideal getaway.
This limited-time offer is your ticket to an unparalleled river cruise experience at an unbeatable value. Don’t miss the chance to be among the first to set sail on the PS Australian Star.
Secure Your Voyage Now: Book by 15th May 2024 – Use Promo Code OPENINGSTAR
Embark on a journey into a new era of river cruising with the PS Australian Star—a vessel that not only bears a name steeped in heritage and pride but also represents the pinnacle of luxury on the iconic Murray River.
Scheduled for a grand launch in June 2025, the PS Australian Star will redefine river cruising, offering year-round, all-inclusive, overnight experiences with 3, 4, and 7-night itineraries along the majestic Murray River, commencing from the charming town of Echuca in Victoria. Seamlessly taking over the reins of the beloved PS Emmylou, the Australian Star will assume the helm of the existing cruise itineraries, promising a voyage that seamlessly blends tradition with opulence.
As you step onto the decks of the PS Australian Star, you enter a realm where every detail tells a tale of the river’s rich heritage and the golden age of paddle steamers. The vessel itself is a masterpiece, a floating testament to the artistry and engineering that defined an era. Immerse yourself in the symphony of steam from the authentic 1907 wood-fired steam engine and the rhythmic churning of the paddlewheel as we embark on a leisurely voyage along the winding waters of the Murray River.
Named in honour of Australia’s celestial Southern Cross, the Australian Star invites you to explore its opulent interiors, where each cabin and lounge exudes an air of refinement. From the Hopwood Lounge & Bar, celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit of Echuca’s founder, to the Randell Dining Room, paying homage to the pioneering journey of William Randell, every space aboard is a chapter in a captivating narrative that unfolds with every river bend.
Boasting 19 plush and modern staterooms, each opening to a deck and featuring an ensuite, air-conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, luxury linen, and a TV entertainment system, the Australian Star ensures a luxurious retreat for every traveler. Moreover, its ever-changing river views provide a constant reminder of the beauty that surrounds.
As the PS Australian Star prepares to grace the waters, it beckons you to join a voyage where tradition meets modernity, and luxury becomes an art form. Welcome aboard the PS Australian Star, where history and luxury converge for an unforgettable riverine experience.
- Australian Star is being built in a specially designed facility beside the Murray River in Mildura and, after her launch in June 2025, will offer year-round, all-inclusive, overnight 3, 4 and 7 night cruises on the Murray River from Echuca in Victoria.
- PS Australian Star will gracefully assume the helm, seamlessly taking over the reins of the existing 3, 4, and 7-night cruise itineraries that were previously operated by the iconic PS Emmylou. The vessel will be Australia’s first five-star river cruise product, the largest paddlesteamer in the Southern Hemisphere and the only wood-fired, five-star, accommodated paddlesteamer in the world.
- Fusing heritage charm with contemporary elegance and luxury, the 35m-long Australian Star will boast a deluxe and contemporary lounge offering sweeping river vistas, a fine-dining restaurant, multiple outdoor relaxation areas, the company’s first elevator for easy access to all levels, and 19 plush and modern staterooms, all opening to a deck and offering an ensuite, air-conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, luxury linen and a TV entertainment system as well as ever-changing river views.
- Australian Star will sport a modern, energy-efficient, hybrid diesel/steam propulsion system featuring a vintage, refurbished 1907 Richard Garrett and Sons wood-fired steam engine, adding a touch of nostalgia and authenticity to the journey.
Introducing PS Australian Star: A Name Steeped in Heritage and Elegance
At the helm of our newly-built historic paddlesteamer, PS Australian Star, lies a name carefully crafted to embody the essence of tradition, national pride, and a commitment to excellence. Each element of this distinguished name represents a profound significance that encapsulates the journey passengers will embark upon as they traverse the waters aboard this majestic vessel.
Honouring Maritime Heritage with “PS”: The prefix “PS,” standing for “Paddle Steamer,” pays homage to a rich and storied era in maritime history. It nods to the traditional mode of propulsion that powered the iconic steamboats of yesteryears. As we embrace the nostalgia and elegance of paddlewheel steamers, “PS” represents our reverence for time-honoured maritime traditions.
A Celebration of Australian Identity: “Australian Star” embodies more than just a name; it is a symbol deeply ingrained in the Australian national identity. By proudly bearing this name, PS Australian Star embraces the spirit and character of Australia, paying a special tribute to the iconic Southern Cross constellation. We aim to create an experience that echoes the vast beauty, resilience, and allure of this remarkable nation.
The Stellar Promise of Excellence: “Star” shines brightly in our vessel’s name, representing our commitment to excellence, luxury, and distinction. It reflects our aspiration to provide an unparalleled cruising experience that sparkles with sophistication and leaves an indelible mark on every passenger’s journey.
Uniqueness and Memorability: PS Australian Star was chosen for its uniqueness and memorability. This name stands as a beacon in the maritime world, distinguishing our vessel and promising a remarkable voyage, where history meets modern luxury in an unforgettable blend.
A Name Steeped in Essence: In every ripple of the water, every turn of the paddlewheel, and every moment spent aboard, PS Australian Star encapsulates a unique narrative. It symbolises a vessel that bridges the past with the present, inviting passengers to relish the timeless charm of an iconic paddlesteamer while savouring the elegance and comfort of contemporary cruising.
As we set sail on this historic vessel, the name “PS Australian Star” becomes more than just an identity—it becomes a promise. A promise of an exceptional voyage, filled with the warmth of tradition, the pride of nationhood, and the brilliance of a stellar cruising experience.
Welcome aboard the PS Australian Star, where every journey is an ode to heritage, elegance, and the guiding light of the Australian Southern Cross. May its celestial brilliance illuminate our path as we embark on a voyage of unparalleled splendour.
Bookings Open
- Bookings are now Open for cruises aboard PS Australian Star from June 2025
- Cruises depart weekly
- 3 Night cruises depart each Friday
- 4 Night cruises depart each Monday
- 7 Night cruises depart each Monday
- Our online booking system shows the available departure dates for each month from June 2025 through to December 2026
- Please note due to strong demand for group departures not all weekly departures are available for individual bookings
- 3 Night Voyage – From Friday 25th July 2025
- 4 Night Voyage – From Monday 23rd June 2025
- 7 Night Voyage – From Monday 21st July 2025
PS Australian Star will operate back to back weekly departures throughout the year with a shoulder season between June, July & August saving guests 10%.
- 3 Night Cruise departs each Friday afternoon at 4.00pm
- 4 Night Cruise departs each Monday afternoon at 4.00pm
- 7 Night Cruise, which combines the above cruises with an additional Silo Arts Tour departs each Monday at 4.00pm
Please note PS Australian Star cruises have already been popular with leading national tour and coach operators taking whole boat bookings. Departure dates shown on our website are the available departures for individual bookings.
Commencing June 2025, the PS Australian Star will gracefully assume the helm, seamlessly taking over the reins of the existing 3, 4, and 7-night cruise itineraries that were previously operated by the iconic PS Emmylou. This transition promises a continuity of exceptional river cruising experiences, while introducing a touch of five-star luxury aboard the PS Australian Star.
Now, you can elevate your cruising adventure with the PS Australian Star, offering a five-star paddlesteamers experience that will redefine luxury on the river. Immerse yourself in the unparalleled comfort of this modern marvel, designed to enhance every aspect of your cruise.
Indulge in the same captivating routes and breathtaking scenery, all while relishing the upgraded amenities and facilities aboard the PS Australian Star. Your journey remains our priority, and with this transition, we aim to elevate your river cruising experience to new heights.
Join us on board the PS Australian Star, where the legacy of unforgettable river adventures continues, now with the added allure of a five-star paddlesteamer experience.
Below are links to the existing PS Emmylou 3, 4 and 7 Night cruise itineraries that PS Australian Star will operate
- Is the Deposit refundable if you we do not cruise – Yes
- Can l choose my cabin – Yes, you will be sent a VIP invitation in February 2024 and you will be able to nominate your preferred Cabin or Suite
- What date will be the maiden voyages;
- 4 Night Explorer departing 9th June 2025
- 3 Night Discovery departing 12th June 2025.
- There will not be an option for a 7 night cruise for the maiden departures
- Further departures will be available online
Deck Plan
- 1 King Owners Suite with private balcony
- 1 Queen Owners Suite with private balcony
- 17 Queen Cabins all private ensuites (beds can be split into two single beds)
- Passengers lift to all accommodation
- Hopwood Lounge & Bar opening to outdoor seating offering panoramic views of the ever-changing scenery.
- Randell dining restaurant with a fresh menu every day showcasing fresh and delicious local produce and cuisine
Your River Stateroom
Embark on a luxurious river cruising experience aboard the PS Australian Star, featuring our contemporary and sophisticated River Staterooms. Immerse yourself in the serenity of the surroundings and captivating river views, all enjoyed from the opulence of your private accommodation.
Choose from our 19 River Staterooms, each presenting a variety of styles, from the lavish King and Queen Suites to the spacious Queen Staterooms, where the queen bed can be transformed into two single beds. Every room opens onto a deck, with the King & Queen Suites boasting their own private veranda. Entertainment is at your fingertips with a TV system in each room.
Ensure a comfortable journey with individually controlled air-conditioning in every room, and stay seamlessly connected with complimentary WIFI available throughout the boat, including all rooms.
The PS Australian Star boasts outstanding facilities and amenities, featuring a passenger lift for convenient access to all accommodations. Unwind in the Hopwood Lounge and outdoor seating area, offering panoramic views of the ever-changing scenery. Indulge in delectable, locally sourced cuisine at the Randell dining restaurant, with a fresh menu presented daily.
Prices & Inclusions
- Complimentary return V/Line train fare from Melbourne. More info.
- Luxury air-conditioned Stateroom or Suite with private ensuite
- All onboard meals including morning and afternoon teas
- Regionally-inspired meals prepared by onboard chef
- Limited edition Complimentary gift
- Complimentary selected wine & beer with dinner service
- Uniquely crafted onshore guided tours
- Complimentary transfer to/from PS Australian Star in Echuca
- Espresso coffee, tea, soft drink & bottled water
- Complimentary WIFI throughout the ship and in your Stateroom
