Australia’s first five-star overnight riverboat, the Australian Star, made a splash at the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) this week, as global travel trade representatives got a first look at the new era of luxury cruising on the Murray River.
On show at ATE in Brisbane, the $7 million PS Australian Star drew strong attention from international buyers, tourism stakeholders and industry partners. Launching this spring from Echuca, the 38-guest luxury paddlesteamer will be the largest in the Southern Hemisphere and the only wood-fired, five-star accommodated paddlesteamer in the world.
Offering immersive cruises of up to one week in length, the vessel blends heritage charm with modern elegance, creating a premium river cruising experience unique to Australia.
A twin sister to follow in 2027
The success of the Australian Star is set to continue with the announcement of a sister ship, Australian Sky, which will debut on the Murray River in Mildura in 2027, further expanding high-end river tourism in regional Australia.
Murray River Paddlesteamers (MRPS) Director Craig Burgess, MRPS Head of Sales, Marketing and Trade Natalie Freeman, and Murray River Tourism Board CEO Cameron Sutton were at ATE to promote the product and the broader appeal of the Murray River region to global buyers.
ATE shines a spotlight on Australia’s regions
ATE is Australia’s premier B2B travel trade event, bringing together hundreds of tourism operators with more than 700 buyers from over 30 countries. This year’s event saw a strong focus on regional innovation, including luxury offerings that showcase the depth of Australia’s diverse tourism landscape.
