Australia’s longest river, the Murray, is getting an unusual new ship that will mark its debut as a luxury cruise route, although one less well-known than the familiar European rivers.
The Australian Star, due to launch in June and enter service soon after, is a sidewheel paddle steamer, powered by a rebuilt 1907 wood-fired steam engine—a far cry from the more usual diesel or electric power. It will be the world’s only passenger paddle steamer. Despite its antique power, the ship features airconditioned cabins, modern WiFi and entertainment.
Australian Star will operate year-round 3, 4 and 7 day cruises from Echura, Victoria. The ship includes 19 cabins for 38 passengers, more than double the 16-guest capacity of the ship it replaces, the less luxurious paddle steamer, Emmylou, which is retiring.
The route passes through an area inhabited by indigenous people for over 40,000 years, and passes sites with connections to explorer and settler history as well.
