The PS Australian Star is mere months away from commercial operation.
Photo by
Supplied
Murray River Paddlesteamers’ highly-anticipated PS Australian Star is poised to make her commercial debut in February following its recent arrival in Echuca.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Australia’s first five-star, overnight riverboat met water for the first time last month, and cruised 748km up the Murray River to reach its local base on Sunday, November 30.
The finishing touches are now being added to the $11 million, 200-tonne vessel, building on the previous 32 months of construction undertaken in Mildura.
MRPS director Craig Burgess said the vessel’s arrival was both a major milestone and a welcome consolation.
“Seeing Australian Star pass safely through the Torrumbarry Weir was a tremendous relief, especially given the lower-than-expected water levels,” he said.
“It marks the culmination of a two-and-a-half-year journey involving more than 80 Victorian suppliers and craftsmen who have poured their skill, passion and dedication into bringing this remarkable vessel to life.”
The final works will take two months, and see the upper deck completed and all cabins and public areas fitted out before she begins her program of three-, four- and seven-night cruises.
The Australian Star on her way to meet water for the first time in Mildura.
Photo by
Supplied
A formal christening ceremony will be held the following month to celebrate the Australian Star’s replicated charm of 19th-century paddlesteamers.
The 38-guest vessel fuses heritage and contemporary design, and is the largest paddlesteamer in the Southern Hemisphere, and the only wood-fired, five-star, accommodated paddlesteamer in the world.
Among the lavish amenities is an energy-efficient, hybrid diesel/steam propulsion system that features a 1907 wood-fired steam engine.
Mr Burgess said she represented a revolution in Australian river cruising, delivered in an iconic setting.
“There has been a clear demand for a world-class, five-star experience that matches the standards of Europe’s great waterways,” he said.
“PS Australian Star will deliver exactly that. She will usher in a new era of luxury river cruising, and reimagine what’s possible on the Murray.”
Workers watching on as the Australian Star takes to the river.
Photo by
Supplied
The project received $2.25 million in funding from the Victorian Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund, for which Mr Burgess said MRPS was extremely grateful.
Tourism Minister Steve Dimopoulos said he was thrilled to celebrate the ship’s latest milestone.
“Australian Star is a game-changer for regional tourism,” he said.
“This world-class, five-star paddlesteamer will not only celebrate the heritage of the Murray River, but also attract visitors from across Australia and overseas, creating local jobs, delivering significant economic benefits for Victoria’s economy.”
Mr Burgess said 90 per cent of sailings were already sold or chartered next year, with bookings in 2027 filling fast as well.
The Australian Star will sail in partnership with APT, which will charter 45 per cent of sailings.
33°C