Murray River: Two New Riverboats Starting in 2025
Murray River Paddlesteamers has announced the expansion of its fleet for 2025 with the introduction of two new riverboats. Starting in August, the renowned PS Emmylou will continue to cruise along the Murray River alongside the new and luxurious PS Australian Star, which will debut next June.
APT Travel Group, a leader in the Australian tour and cruise industry, has exclusively booked 38 cruises on PS Emmylou for the 2025-2026 period through its Travelmarvel brand. Additionally, APT has already reserved 31 seven-night cruises on the new $6.75 million PS Australian Star for the 2025-26 biennium.
Craig Burgess, Director of Murray River Paddlesteamers, explained that the initial plan was to withdraw PS Emmylou from multi-day cruises to focus solely on day trips once the new and luxurious PS Australian Star, accommodating 38 guests, was in service from June 2025. However, due to high demand for both vessels and the early success of bookings for Australian Star, it has been decided to keep PS Emmylou operating alongside Australian Star starting in August 2025, thanks to the partnership with APT Travel Group.
PS Emmylou Cabin
PS Emmylou on Murray River
PS Emmylou Steam Engine
Operating with two luxury riverboats year-round from Echuca to Victoria is seen as a significant evolution for the river cruise industry in Australia. The strong demand for cruises aboard the new Australian Star has led Travelmarvel to also book PS Emmylou for 38 four-night cruises.
Starting August 12 2025, PS Emmylou will offer a new four-night itinerary departing from Echuca. Travelmarvel will exclusively sell four four-night cruises per month, pairing these trips with extended land tours. Bookings for these new four-night itineraries will open in September 2024.
Between June and August of next year, PS Emmylou will undergo maintenance and refurbishment, while the new PS Australian Star will begin operations as Australia’s first five-star riverboat, offering three, four, and seven-night cruises from Echuca. Currently, Australian Star is still under construction in Mildura.
Ps Australian Star sailing Murray River
Ps Australian Star Dining Room
Ps Australian Star Queen Suite
Burgess noted that Australians have a strong attachment to PS Emmylou and want it to continue traveling along the Murray River. However, starting August 2025, thanks to APT, guests will be able to choose between the classic and the new vessel—each with distinct itineraries, sizes, and atmospheres—meeting market demand and promising a bright future for river cruises in Australia.
PS Emmylou, featured in the famous 1980s TV mini-series “All the Rivers Run” remains one of Australia’s most iconic paddlesteamers. Equipped with a restored 1906 steam engine and recently refurbished with deluxe cabins and suites, it offers authentic, all-inclusive cruises along the Murray River, with stops to visit wineries, historic farms, Indigenous sites, and picturesque towns.
Murray River Paddlesteamers is thus preparing to offer unprecedented river cruising experiences, promising a bright future filled with opportunities for all lovers of luxury and natural beauty in Australia.
Stay tuned for more updates, offers, and reviews on Murray River Paddlesteamers on Cruising Journal.