APT has secured strong sales onboard the new charter riverboat PS Australian Star which debuts on the Murray River in June next year.

King suite onboard PS Australian Star
King suite onboard PS Australian Star

One-third of sailings or 16 seven-night sailings departing from Echuca, Victoria in June 2025 are on sale by APT.

Meanwhile, the $6.75 million Australian Star which is currently being built will be the largest, wood-fired, luxury paddlesteamer in the Southern Hemisphere when it launches on the iconic Murray River in Victoria.

Strong advanced Sales

The Australian Star offers year-round, seven-night sailings on the Murray and accommodates only 38 passengers.

Blending vintage charm with contemporary elegances, the luxury riverboat will have a fine-dining restaurant, 19 modern staterooms decked out with luxury linen and complimentary WiFi.

What the new riverboat will look like

It will also have a modern, energy-efficient hybrid diesel/steam propulsion engine. It features a refurbished 1907 Richard Garrett and Sons wood-fired steam engine.

Additionally, Australian Star is a charter partnership between APT, Australian’s leading tour and cruise operator and riverboat owners, Murray River Paddlesteamers.

“This collaboration allows us to bring the renowned APT luxury and service to this iconic Australian waterway. We’re excited to offer our guests an unparalleled, all-inclusive experience aboard PS Australian Star, all while experiencing the impeccable service APT is known for,” said APT’s General Manager of produce and operations Mladen Vukic.

“The APT charters, coupled with strong, general early bookings, garner well for the success of Australian Star from 2025,” said Murray River Paddlesteamers Director, Craig Burgess.

Old riverboat to slow down

The new build is partly funded by the $2.25 million injection from the Victorian Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund.

Furthermore, the Australian Star will succeed the smaller and older 16-guest PS Emmylou which only offer overnight cruises on the Murray River.

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