The vessel was originally due to launch in February, but technical issues pushed the planned debut back, with Murray River Paddlesteamers confirming in April that the launch date remained uncertain.
Murray River Paddlesteamers has now confirmed the long-awaited inaugural cruise, giving travellers a firm date to plan around after years of uncertainty.
The three-night cruise will mark the beginning of Australian Star’s program of three, four and seven-night cruises operating from Echuca along the Murray River.
The vessel, which was built in Mildura before travelling 748km upstream to the Echuca region late last year, has undergone its final construction, fitout and commissioning works.
Australian Star can accommodate 38 passengers and is being billed as Australia’s first five-star overnight river vessel.
The launch follows a lengthy construction process, with the vessel spending about 32 months being built on the Murray at Mildura before making its journey towards Echuca in November 2025.
Ahead of its official launch, Australian Star has already been out on the Murray — a promising sign for travellers who have been watching this project closely.
Demand has already been strong, with the 2026 program now fully booked. Dates beyond 2026 are open, so travellers keen to secure a spot are best advised to book sooner rather than later.
The September 18 inaugural sailing will be a three-night journey departing from Australian Star’s home port of Echuca.
The launch represents the latest milestone for the project, which was first announced in 2022 and has experienced several changes to its expected completion and launch dates.
The original plans anticipated a debut in late 2024, before subsequent delays pushed the vessel’s expected launch into 2025 and then 2026.
Murray River Paddlesteamers previously said the vessel would operate year-round cruises from Echuca, with the company’s existing PS Emmylou continuing to operate overnight cruises.
The vessel is backed by $2.25 million from the Victorian Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund.
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