New paddle steamer to support regional economies

A new five-star, multi-million dollar paddle-steamer is set to boost tourism in the state’s north.

Australia’s first five-star river cruise will be based in Victoria in an attempt to bring more high-end tourists to the state.

Featuring 20-ensuite cabins, a fine dining restaurant and function space, and loungesand bars across two levels, the luxury cruise will take 40 passengers for up to seven nights.

Funded by the federal government, the PS Australian Star will be built in Mildura and operate out of Echuca.

Passengers on board the new vessel will experience the Murray River region, with extra experiences such as silo art tours on offer.

The PS Australian Star is expected to take to the water in late 2024.

Artist impressions of the state-of-the-art paddlesteamer coined the ‘PS Australian Star’, which will offer guests a unique stay, with 20 ensuite cabins, a fine dining restaurant and function space, along with a lounge and bars across two levels. Picture: Supplied.

Murray River Paddlesteamers managing director Rohan Burgess said he was thrilled at the new Murray attraction.

“We are very excited to expand our operation and offer this new experience on the Murray River soon,” he said.

Tourism Minister Steve Dimopoulos announced $2.25m in funding for the boat would come from the Regional Tourism Investment Fund.

“Victoria’s river country is already a compelling destination to visitors from across the world, and this latest attraction will draw even more visitors, support the communities that call them home and create more jobs.”

He said the project would generate 13 local jobs during construction and a further 19 ongoing employment positions when the fitting out of the vessel was complete.

Murray Regional Tourism interim chief executive Will Flamsteed said the new cruise would hopefully increase the average length of visitor stays on current cruises to 4.5 nights and boost the average guest spend to $1180 per night.

“This development will further enhance the Murray River’s luxury cruise offerings and will encourage more overnight stays to this beautiful region,” he said.

In 2019, about 1.2 million people visited the Campaspe local government area, spending about $326m.

The PS Australian Star is expected to begin cruising along the Murray River in late 2024.

Murray River Paddlesteamers Managing Director Rohan Burgess said they were thankful for the support from the government to make this project a reality.

“We are very excited to expand our operation and offer this new experience on the Murray River soon,” he said.