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Australia’s first 5-star overnight paddle steamer is coming to the Murray

Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
The Murray’s largest paddle steamer is coming in 2026, offering longer and more luxurious stays on the mighty river.

Birdcalls, the chirps of cicadas, the lapping of river currents and the gentle hum of a paddle steamer as it gently rolls down the river: these are the iconic sounds of the Murray River region. And thanks to the upcoming launch of PS Australian Star, it’s about to get a whole lot bigger (and more luxurious) – blending the charm of a bygone era with modern comforts.

PS Australian Star King Suite render
Spend one to seven nights on board the PS Australian Star.

With its inaugural cruise set for February, the PS Australian Star will not only be the largest paddle steamer in the Southern Hemisphere, but also Australia’s first five-star overnight riverboat and the only wood-fired, five-star, accommodated paddle steamer in the world.

Once onboard (with a maximum of just 38 guests at a time), don’t let the old-world decor fool you. All modern comforts are accounted for, like free wi-fi, lifts and air conditioning. Plus, its heritage 1907 wood-fired steam engine will be eco-powered by red gum timber.

paddle steamer on the murray river
Soak in the beauty of the Murray River. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Discover year-round and all-inclusive cruises, and choose from one-, three-, four- or seven- night options, all departing from Echuca on the Upper Murray River.

All-inclusive means that all food is covered. Expect onboard gourmet dining with a regional focus and locally sourced ingredients, plus unlimited free barista coffee, soft drinks and tea all day and wines and beers with dinner.

It also means guests can partake in guided onshore tours to explore the Murray region – like silo art tours, wine tastings and museum visits – onboard activities and evening entertainment. Return train and coach transfers from Melbourne are also included.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

What else to do in Echuca

two woman walked by the Port of Echuca, victoria
Further explore the historic Port of Echuca. (Image: Visit Victoria)

While paddle steamers may really be the main attraction of the Murray River, there’s plenty else to do in the region, and Echuca specifically.

After a paddle steamer, you could keep the exploration of local history going with interactive displays sharing the trade history at Port of Echuca . Join a guided tour if you really want to dive in.

Discover plenty of trails to explore the region, either on foot or by bike. Like the 19-kilometre Waranga Rail Trail , winding through beautiful bushland and the scenic Waranga Basin. Or stay in your car and follow the Silo Art Trail , which has transformed the region’s silos into impressive, towering canvases depicting local fauna, Echuca’s historical links to industry and the building of the local railroad.

lobster dish on the table at opa in echuca moama
Taste delicious, authentic Greek at Opa. (Image: Visit Victoria)

And don’t sleep on the booming food and drink scene in town. From rooftop bars with town views – like Bar Lee – to funky cocktail bars – like Paradise Bar – after-boating tipples are covered. Or, find anything from a candlelit dinner to coffee in the sunshine at places like Opa (authentic Greek fare), The Mill (global street food to classic dinner and dessert options), Monkee and Co (Asian-fusion) and Watson St Pavilion (the locals’ go-to for a morning coffee).

The details

Where: The Upper Murray River from Echuca.
When: From February 2026. Bookings open now.
Cruise options: Overnight, three-, four- and seven-night cruises.
Price: From $
Website: murrayriverpaddlesteamers.com.au

Kassia Byrnes
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
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The top 10 events you don’t want to miss in Victoria in 2026

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    From cycling and comedy to boating and begonia appreciation, there’s an event in regional Victoria that’s sure to have you circling dates on your calendar.

    1. Festival of Sails

    the Melbourne to Geelong passage race, Festival of Sails 2025
    The Melbourne to Geelong passage race will be held for its 183rd year. (Image: Salty Dingo)

    When: 24–26 January
    Where: Melbourne and Geelong

    This five-day regatta of sailing and onshore entertainment at Geelong’s waterfront includes Australia’s oldest sporting event, the Melbourne to Geelong passage race which, in 2026, will be held for its 183rd year. But you don’t have to be a yachtie, sailor or boat-enthusiast to enjoy the nautical excitement; there’s also a three-day line-up of entertainment, food and live music, including the anchoring of tall ships – ever a firm family favourite.

    2. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race

    cyclists during the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race
    Catch the best cyclists as they wind through Victoria’s coastal towns. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    When: 31 January – 1 February
    Where: The Bellarine Peninsula

    Meandering (at pace) along the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast is this annual cycling event that welcomes everyone from families to serious athletes. Since its beginnings in 2015, the race has become a huge hit with spectators flocking along to cheer on Lycra-clad competitors. Starting and finishing in Geelong’s Velo Village, this is the hub of the non-race activity with food and drink, roaming performers, lawn games and face painting.

    3. Riverboats Music Festival

    the performers at Riverboats Music Festival, Murray River
    The annual music festival is staged under majestic red gums by the Murray River.

    When: 13–15 February
    Where: Echuca–Moama

    Get along to bop and sway under the canopy of red gums at this annual music festival . Hosted by the twin towns of Echuca–Moama, the stage is set for Murray River-adjacent revelling as historic paddlesteamers peacefully chug alongside the event. As well as music, there’s dancing, food trucks and plenty of atmosphere to absorb.

    4. Neerim ArtsFest

    the Neerim ArtsFest south sculptures
    Admire stunning works at Neerim ArtsFest. (Image: Nicky Cawood)

    When: 28 February – 15 March
    Where: Gippsland

    This biennial Gippsland festival celebrates sculptural artists with an esteemed award in two categories, large outdoor and small indoor. The public is invited to enjoy the works over the exhibition period as they’re placed throughout Neerim South and surrounding venues. For 2026, the theme ‘The Spirit Soars’ leads artists to create stunning pieces that explore the expression of freedom in a thrilling visual capacity.

    5. ChillOut Festival

    a street parade during the LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival
    Think colourful street parades and burlesque performances.

    When: 5–9 March
    Where: Daylesford

    Pride in the country has been cheered on every March in Daylesford since 1997 with the riotous annual LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival . This colourful regional spectacle is an inclusive celebration of diversity that plays out across a vibrant parade, burlesque performances, a bush dance and a carnival. Get bedazzled, find a wig and stick on the false eyelashes for this fun party.

    6. Port Fairy Folk Festival

    Missy Higgins at the Port Fairy Folk Festival
    Celebrate folk music at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. (Image: Lucinda Goodwin)

    When: 6–9 March
    Where: Port Fairy

    In 2026, this beloved festival will be one year shy of its 50th anniversary. From folk fans to festival-lovers, this long-running event brings plenty of good vibes to guarantee an incredible experience. While music is at the heart of the festival, there’s also a range of workshops, exhibitions and family entertainment across dance, film and folk art. For its 49th year, the line-up so far includes Blair Dunlop, Elephant Sessions, and the musical duo Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham.

    7. The Ballarat Begonia Festival

    a woman admiring flowers at The Ballarat Begonia Festival
    Gasp at delicate blooms at The Ballarat Begonia Festival.

    When: 7–9 March
    Where: Ballarat

    In bloom since 1953, this horticultural event places a collection of rare begonias at the centre of festivities, honouring the flower’s presence in Ballarat since the 1800s. During its history, the event has been visited by Queen Elizabeth II and, in 2015, it featured the launch of the largest outdoor Lego flower. Apart from a display of around 500 species of the flower of the moment, there’s also a begonia parade, entertainment, live music, food and presentations.

    8. The Bendigo Easter Festival

    Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance at The Bendigo Easter Festival
    The majestic Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance is an annual tradition at The Bendigo Easter Festival.

    When: 3–6 April
    Where: Bendigo

    Held in the city’s Rosalind Park, the annual Easter Festival has been a highlight of Bendigo’s calendar of events since 1871. A carnival of colourful activity, the festival welcomes everyone and rolls out the good times with everything from a Good Friday Easter egg hunt to live music and performances, a Rotary market and Gala Parade. Don’t miss the world’s longest imperial dragon rhythmically roaming the historic streets as part of the Easter Sunday festivities.

    9. Grape Escape

    a glass of wine at the Grampians Grape Escape
    Enjoy a wine tasting experience. (Image: Anthony Evans Photography)

    When: 1–3 May
    Where: The Grampians

    Backdropped by gorgeous Grampians/Gariwerd National Park, this much-loved bacchanalian-inspired festival of food, wine and music is a high-priority for gourmands. Held at Halls Gap Reserve, a Tasting Ticket includes a tumbler that unlocks free wine, beer and cider tastings and, if you are partaking, there’s a shuttle bus to get you back to your digs afterwards. Be sure to book your accommodation early for this one – its popularity is undisputed.

    10. Comedy in the Vines

    Comedy in the Vines at Cherryhill Orchards
    Get the good times rolling at Cherryhill Orchards. (Image: Saige Prime)

    When: 24–26 October
    Where: Yarra Valley

    The premise of Yarra Valley’s Comedy in the Vines , held at Cherryhill Orchards, is that wine and laughs pair well. Few arguments can be made, so get along this month (or next year), to have a giggle and a gamay. This year, taking the stage is the likes of Merrick Watts, Tommy Little, Ray O’Leary and Takashi Wakasugi. There are also masterclasses, a riesling and oyster shot bar, and plenty of food and music between gigs.