Australian Star – a shining example of time-saving composite construction
There will soon be a new kid on the Murray River block in the form of the purpose-built luxury paddlesteamer, PS Australian Star, the southern hemisphere’s most luxurious paddle steamer that aims to drive high-end tourism in this special part of Victoria.
On track for its September launch after an innovative construction project on the boat’s accommodation levels using DuFLEX composite panels, the new vessel will join PS Emmylou In the Murray River Paddlesteamers’ fleet.
Emmylou has been cruising the Murray from historic Echuca Wharf for 44 years and, until now, was the world’s only wood-fired paddlesteamer offering overnight cruising.At 35 metres, Australian Star is five metres longer than the eight-cabin Emmylou.
It accommodates up to 38 guests in 19 cabins and will offer three-, four- and seven-night cruises.
Craig Burgess, who with his twin brother Rohan has been running Murray River Paddlesteamers since 2015 is anticipating a bumper season.“
Australian Star will be a ‘game-changing’ visitor experience that will meet demand for premium overnight river cruising and attract new high-yield domestic and international visitors to Victoria.“Forward bookings have been extremely strong, and we’re thrilled with the response to the new vessel.”
Rohan’s love of paddle steamers started when aged 12, he volunteered with a group to help restore PS Pevensey, which dates from 1910.
Rohan went on to work in banking as did Craig, whose career took him to Hong Kong and Singapore. When the former owner of Murray River Paddlesteamers put the business up for sale, the brothers spotted a thriving business ripe for evolution.
“Emmylou had been the world’s only wood-fired paddle steamer for many years, and her reputation for peaceful river cruising has kept visitors coming.”
Emmylou is powered by a 1906 engine and Craig and Rohan managed to buy a 1907 Richard Garrett and Sons engine from an Australian collector to refurbish and install into the new, larger vessel.
“They were originally imported to Australia to run the sawmills,” Craig adds. “The authentic steam experience is an important part of what makes our vessels special. The sound and rhythm of the historic steam engine creates an atmosphere you simply don’t get on a conventional river cruise vessel. Guests tell us that from the moment they step aboard, they begin to relax.”
In 2018, Emmylou benefited from a major refit, restyling the cabins and converting the upper deck bow lounge to a master suite.Then, based on the success of the original, in 2023 Murray River Paddlesteamers received a $2.25 million grant from the Victorian Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund to accelerate the Australian Star project.
Supported by the Victorian Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund, the deluxe 38-guest vessel is set to deliver a new level of premium overnight river cruising on the Murray River.
Australian Star was custom-designed by naval architect, Chris Tucker and mostly built at Hobson Marine Services in Mildura.The next-generation paddle steamer comprises a restaurant, lounge and bar, a lift and 19 cabins with ensuites, air-conditioning, and Wi-Fi.
The 5-star interiors were undertaken by the skilled tradespeople at Jointly Pty Ltd, specialists in commercial and residential interiors. Consisting of a main deck and then two accommodation decks above, the vessel had to be relocated to Echuca to finish the top deck because of bridge heights around Mildura.
And this is where the value of composite construction comes to the fore.As Australian Star progressed through commissioning and on-water testing, an opportunity was identified to significantly reduce weight across the upper accommodation decks and further optimise the vessel’s performance and passenger comfort.
Approximately six tonnes of weight was removed across the accommodation decks, with floors, ceilings and walls replaced using lightweight DuFLEX composite panels. The solution delivered a substantial weight reduction while maintaining the premium finish and quality required for Australian Star.
Long relied upon in boatbuilding, industrial and residential construction, transport and automotive applications, the DuFLEX Composite Panel System is a pre-laminated structural sandwich panel designed to deliver high strength at low weight. It combines high-strength face skins, such as fibreglass or carbon fibre, with lightweight cores such as structural foam or balsa, reducing construction time and eliminating much of the traditional laminating process. Its high strength-to-weight ratio made it particularly well suited to Australian Star, where reducing weight in the upper accommodation decks was critical.Its combination of low weight, strength and finish made it particularly well suited to the Australian Star project.'
Naval architect Chris Tucker, a 27-year industry veteran whose experience includes working with New Zealand designer Roger Hill, as well as applying his expertise to major boat brands and many custom builds, said DuFLEX was the ideal material for the project.
“DuFLEX gave us an ultra-lightweight solution with a good finish and materials compliant with AMSA requirements for a commercial vessel. The main driver was weight reduction, and it’s also an Australian product. The DuFLEX Z-Joint provides precision accuracy between panels and a clean, smooth finish, particularly across the ceiling panels.”
Following the installation of the DuFLEX panels across the accommodation levels, Australian Star progressed to on-water testing and final commissioning.
Craig’s ambition is to position the Murray River as an international tourist drawcard and a local alternative to sleep-on-board luxury river cruising in Europe.
“It’s a great way to experience Australia,” he said. “If you want to see the heart of Australia, see it from the river.”
The Mighty Murray came in at number two behind Uluru in Australian Traveller’s “Top 10 Aussie Wonders in 2024”, ahead of Sydney Harbour and the Great Barrier Reef. According to Murray-Darling Basin data, the region attracts around 6.66 million visitors annually, generating a staggering $3 billion.
Now part of the APT Travel Group, Murray River Paddlesteamers has tapped into the yearning for a slower pace and connection with the natural environment, without losing the social aspects of cruising and exploring the countryside.
Australian Star’s route will wind 80 kilometres along the Murray River between Echuca and Torrumbarry Weir, with sights including the historic Perricoota Station homestead, made famous in the 1983 hit TV Series “All the Rivers Run”.
Cruise itineraries showcase some of the region’s signature experiences, including historic Echuca, Murray Gums Estate, the Great Aussie Beer Shed, regional silo art and local food and wine experiences. A signature riverside barbecue and campfire under the stars is another highlight for guests.
“There is nothing quite like the serenity of the Murray River,” Craig states. “We are really looking forward to introducing the wonders of the paddle steamer experience to guests from all over the world.”
PS Australian Star began cruising the Murray River 5 October, with her official christening scheduled for Australia Day, 26 January 2027.