Fancy cruising the mighty Murray in the lap of absolute luxury?
Australia's first five-star river ship is set to cruise the waterway from April 2025 and pre-registrations are open for its first sailings.
Australian Star is currently under construction and will offer cruises of up to a week on the famous river from April next year.
Murray River Paddlesteamers is offering special, reduced deposits of just $150 per person for all cabins and suites aboard the luxury $6.75 million paddlesteamer.
Passengers who pre-register will be given priority status to be among the first to sail aboard the new 38-guest ship.
Murray River Paddlesteamers director, Craig Burgess, said the company expected cruises to sell quickly when bookings open.
"We strongly recommend anyone keen to be part of history pre-registers for cabins now," Mr Burgess said.
"It's clear that Australian Star is already stirring the imagination for many Australians and let me say, we...are as excited as them!"
Australian Star is being built in a specially designed riverside shed in Mildura and will offer year-round, all-inclusive, overnight cruises from Echuca in Victoria.
The vessel will be the largest paddlesteamer in the Southern Hemisphere and the only wood-fired, five-star, accommodated paddlesteamer in the world.
Fusing heritage charm with contemporary elegance and luxury, the 35m-long vessel will boast a deluxe and contemporary lounge, a fine-dining restaurant, multiple outdoor relaxation areas and an elevator for easy access to all levels. Its 19 plush and modern staterooms, will all open onto a deck and offer an ensuite, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, luxury linen and a TV entertainment system.
Its energy-efficient, hybrid diesel/steam propulsion system will feature a vintage, refurbished 1907 Richard Garrett and Sons wood-fired steam engine, adding a a nostalgic touch to the journey.
Backed by $2.25 million in funding from the Victorian government, Australian Star will succeed the smaller and older PS Emmylou.
