Unveiling the Mighty PS Australian Star: A Luxury 5 Star Paddle Steamer

Set sail on the new PS Australian Star as we cruise the Victorian waters of the Mighty Murray River.

Experience the ultimate in river cruising luxury aboard the PS Australian Star. Offering exceptional facilities and amenities, the Hopwood Lounge and outdoor seating area are the perfect places to relax and watch the river go by, while the Randell dining restaurant offers delicious and locally sourced fare with a fresh menu every day.

Day 1                                                                 HOME TO GOULBURN                 Saturday 26 July 2025 (LD)

Welcome aboard to our exciting newly released PS Australian Star cruise on the Murray River. Bags all loaded we begin our journey, heading south. We’ll stop for a lunch break at Gosford RSL, arriving at our overnight destination of Goulburn in time to freshen up for dinner.

Lunch at Gosford RSL | dinner in motel

Mercure Goulburn | 02 4822 5445 | 1 night

Day 2                                    GOULBURN TO SHEPPARTON                Sunday 27 July 2025      (BD)

It’s an early departure from Goulburn this morning as we travel via the Hume Highway through Yass to ‘Dog on The Tuckerbox’ territory – Gundagai for our morning tea stop. We then express our way to Albury for time to purchase lunch before continuing through to Shepparton for the night.

Breakfast and dinner in the motel | lunch own arrangements and cost

Quality Hotel Parklake Shepparton | 03 5821 5822 | 1 night

Day 3    PS AUSTRALIAN STAR DEPARTS TORRUMBARRY WEIR   Monday 28 July 2025 (LD)

 This morning, we are introduced to the Port of Echuca with a local guide, that will point out the areas of interest around the Port and share tales of the colourful characters that crewed the old river boats. At the Port Echuca Discovery Centre, we have some free time to look through the displays and learn how the bustling river trade changed the face of the town. Lunch today is at the Bridge Hotel before our visit to Sharps Magic Movie House & Penny Arcade. Situated in the refurbished Old Bond Store, the Movie House runs almost continuous screenings of highlights of Australia's early newsreels, comedy classics, and archival shots. At the back of the Theatre is Australia's largest and only working Penny Arcade.  It will be a treat and a walk down memory lane.  Later today we board The PS Australian Star, welcoming us with luxury floating on the mighty Murray. After settling into our rooms, we enjoy a riverside campfire Welcome Dinner.

Breakfast at Hotel | Lunch at Bridge Hotel | Dinner onboard

PS Australian Star | 4 nights

Day 4                     PS AUSTRALIAN STAR              Tuesday 29 July 2025        (BLD)

After a satisfying breakfast, our cruise leads us to the renowned Perricoota Station. Here an adventure awaits as we set off to discover Restdown Winery joining the property’s owners for a guided tour. Our journey unfolds along a wetlands trail revealing culturally significant areas that hold stories of the land. Our efforts are rewarded with a gourmet lunch celebrating local flavours and wine tastings. Later we explore the historic buildings and immaculate gardens of the station before enjoying dinner overlooking the famous property and witnessing the magic of the river at nig  ht. Later, as the night curtain falls, we take a cinematic journey with a fascinating documentary featuring archival footage of the paddle steamers and the communities that flourished along these shores.

All meals included

Day 5                  PS AUSTRALIAN STAR                              Wednesday 30 July 2025(BLD)

With the sun climbing up over the horizon, the early risers and enthusiastic photographers are treated to a spectacular display of morning mist accompanied by the wildlife of the area. Embrace a full day of cruising whilst the gentle current propels us upstream towards Layfield Lane. Lunch is served on the deck or in the saloon tailored to the day’s conditions.

This evening’s dining experience is set on the riverbank with our signature Australian BBQ taking centre stage. The night then comes alive with entertainment and casual conversation around the warmth of our campfire.

All meals included

Day 6              PS AUSTRALIAN STAR                                    Thursday 31 July 2025 (BLD)

Begin the day with a fulfilling breakfast to give us a foundation for the adventure ahead. Embarking on a half-day land and river tour, we step into a world of history and natural wonders. We explore the historic town of Echuca discovering little-known historic sites such as Hopwood’s Punt and the pontoon bridge, which was the first crossing of the river created by Echuca’s founder Henry Hopwood. The magic of the Murray continues with our Eco Expedition tour after morning tea at the historic Wharf. Cruising upriver we dig deep into the history of the river, disembarking at a remote sandy beach where a delicious lunch has been laid out for us. St Anne’s Winery welcomes us to a tasting of their fabulous table wines before once more joining our vessel and heading for our overnight mooring at Moama Wharf.

All meals included

Day 7                  PS AUSTRALIAN STAR TO GOULBURN         Friday 01 August 2025 (BD)

Working up an appetite, enjoy an early wander along the boardwalks of Horseshoe Lagoon, indulging in some wildlife spotting and learning about the importance of wetlands and floodplains. Cruising back to Echuca we disembark and farewell our crew. What a memorable time we have had onboard the PS Australian Star. We retrace our steps to Goulburn for our final night on tour, stopping along the way to purchase lunch.

Breakfast onboard | Lunch own arrangements and cost | Dinner in the hotel

Mercure Goulburn | 02 4822 5445 | 1 night

Day 8                             GOULBURN TO HOME                                        Saturday 02 August 2025(BL)

With our bags packed full of memories, we checked out of our hotel and settled into the coach enjoying the scenery. We make a stop for lunch at the Gosford RSL.  After lunch, we continue along the coast, via Wyong and Bulahdelah, arriving home late afternoon with many wonderful memories of traveling with friends.

Breakfast at the motel | Lunch at Gosford RSL

Tour Inclusions

•              7 night’s accommodation – 4 nights on the PS Australian Star Cruise and 3 nights motel accommodation

•              7 cooked breakfasts

•              7 dinners

•              6 included lunches – see below

•              Lunch at the Gosford RSL club

•              Locally guided tour of Echuca

•              Lunch at the Henry’s Bridge Hotel Echuca

•              Visit and fudge tastings at Sharps Magic Movie House, Echuca

•              Lunch at Gosford RSL

Accommodation

•              Mercure Goulburn (2 nights)

•              Quality Hotel Parklake Shepparton (1 night)

•              PS Australian Star Cruise (4 nights)

About the PS Australian Star

•              The only wood-fired, five-star, accommodated paddle steamer in the world, launched in 2025 and locally built in Mildura. With three decks, the ship is the largest paddle steamer in the southern hemisphere.

•              The Randell dining restaurant offers guests a new menu every day showcasing fresh and delicious local produce and cuisine.

•              19 passenger staterooms all with private ensuite: 1 King Owner's Suite with a private balcony, 1 Queen Owner's Suite with a private balcony, and 17 Queen Cabins.

•              The Hopwood Lounge and outdoor seating area are the perfect places to relax and enjoy panoramic views of the ever-changing scenery.

•              Your APT Tour Director will provide seamless service and attention to detail. Enjoy an enriching journey, savouring each and every moment along the Murray.

•              Onboard passenger lift providing easy access to all staterooms and onboard facilities.

Sailing aboard the brand-new luxury paddle steamer the PS Australian Star, explore the tranquil Murray River region, relish gourmet cuisine, discover the region’s cultural delights and enjoy luxurious accommodation on board.

$6,315 pp twin share | + $4,240 single sup | $1,000 deposit pp

For more information or to book;

Phone:                 02 6583 3330

Email:                  admin@portbus.com.au

Website:             https://www.portbus.com.au

Book Online:     https://events.humanitix.com/ps-australian-star

Please Note

•              Price is based on a minimum of 20 passengers. If our numbers fall below the 20 paying passengers, this tour may need to be recosted.

•              Price is valid for the above tour dates only and includes GST.

•              Morning teas or afternoon teas are not included unless specified.

The itinerary may be subject to change without notice. Whilst every effort is made to adhere to the itinerary as provided. Port Bus reserves the right to alter the touring and attractions as dictated by circumstances and conditions outside the company’s control. Alterations may be made to ensure the smooth running of the tour. Every attempt will be made to ensure alterations do not adversely affect the operation of the tour. Port Bus will not be held responsible for weather-based cancellations, or those closures made at the venue’s discretion.

Cancellation fees will be levied relative to the amount of notice given:

42 days or more—loss of deposit

29-41 days:  50% of fare plus deposit

30 days before and the Day of departure: 100% of the fare.