Get ready for a journey that's all about embracing the beauty of slow travel! The Murray River is about to become a luxury cruising destination, offering a unique and tranquil experience.
Imagine trading ancient castles for towering gum trees, kookaburras, and kangaroos. It's a nature lover's dream come true! Meet Craig and Rohan Burgess, identical twins with a vision. They've invested over $8 million to build the Australian Star, a five-star paddle steamer that promises to redefine river cruising.
But here's where it gets controversial... They aim to compete with European river cruises, offering a local alternative. Can the Murray River truly match the allure of Europe's great rivers?
The Australian Star, based in Echuca, is a 38-passenger boat that's already heavily booked for 2026, with 2027 departures filling up fast. And get this, they're not stopping there! Work is about to begin on their second identical paddle steamer, the Australian Sky, which will call Mildura its home.
Craig shares that a major player in the travel industry, APT, has given their venture a 'ringing endorsement' by agreeing to sell half of the Australian Star's departures. That's a big deal!
The steam-powered Australian Star, set to embark on its inaugural cruise on February 23rd, received a significant boost with a $2.25 million grant from the Victorian government's Regional Tourism Investment Fund. This three-level boat is all about reimagining the Murray River as a cruising destination.
"People love cruising, and long-haul flights are becoming less appealing," Craig explains. "They want to explore their own backyard, but in comfort."
The Australian Star doesn't disappoint. It boasts a restaurant, lounge, and bar, along with a lift, 19 cabins with en suites, air-conditioning, and Wi-Fi. Cruise tickets range from $890 to $1250 per night, per passenger, and offer three-, four-, or seven-night cruises. The route takes passengers on an 80-kilometer journey along the Murray River between Echuca and Torrumbarry Weir, with highlights including the historic Perricoota Station homestead.
But it's not just about the river. Guests can also enjoy bus trips to explore Echuca's historical sights, visit the Murray Gums Estate winery, check out silo art in Rochester, and have lunch at the Colbinabbin pub. And this is the part most people miss... The Burgess twins believe it's the simple pleasures that make the biggest impact. Rohan shares that guests on their older paddle steamer, Emmylou, often rave about the barbecue nights under the stars on the riverbank. It's all about that slow, peaceful connection with nature.
At the heart of the Australian Star is its 119-year-old, 13-tonne steam engine, powered by red gum. Echuca skipper Neil Hutchinson, a director of Murray River Paddlesteamers, found this gem on Facebook and purchased it from a collector in Truro, South Australia. Made in England in 1907, this engine has quite a history, having powered saw mills and farm machinery in Victoria.
The construction of the Australian Star in Mildura took 32 months, and then it was sailed down the Murray to Echuca in 19 days, minus its top level to fit under bridges. It's an engineering marvel!
Rohan's love for paddle steamers started at a young age, when he was just 12. His father, Paul, worked for the Victorian government on regional development projects, including helping the City of Echuca acquire and operate the PS Pevensey, a paddle steamer dating back to 1910. Over the years, Paul, Rohan, and sometimes Craig, volunteered to restore the Pevensey. It was a labor of love!
In 1983, Rohan witnessed the Pevensey, now named Philadelphia, star in the hit romance mini-series "All the Rivers Run," featuring Sigrid Thornton and John Waters. The Emmylou, under the name Providence, also made an appearance in this drama, set during the golden age of paddle steamers on the Murray River in the 1890s.
As adults, Rohan and Craig Burgess pursued careers in banking. But in 2013, seeking a change, Rohan took on a role in Echuca as the commercial manager for the Shire of Campaspe, which included managing the PS Pevensey. It was then that Vern Beasley, the owner of Murray River Paddlesteamers, suggested Rohan buy the company. In 2015, Rohan, Craig, and Neil Hutchinson became the proud owners.
In 2018, they renovated the Emmylou, transforming it into a more luxurious experience with eight cabins and en suites. But the Emmylou was too small for larger tourist groups, leading to the Australian Star project.
Tim Ford, Chair of the advocacy group Committee for Echuca Moama, calls the launch of the Australian Star "an exciting milestone" for the region. He believes it has the potential to attract high-value tourism, boost local businesses, and create new job opportunities.
Rohan shares his excitement, saying, "It's a pinch-yourself moment. It was a dream, and now it's becoming a reality."
Craig envisions the Murray River as an international tourist destination, on par with the Phillip Island penguins or the Twelve Apostles. He wants people to see the heart of Australia from the river, offering a unique perspective.
Victorian Tourism Minister Steve Dimopoulos praises the Australian Star, saying it will offer a unique tourism experience, driving economic growth for Echuca and the wider region. Every passenger aboard the Australian Star will contribute to the local economy, supporting local businesses and creating a positive ripple effect.
So, what do you think? Can the Murray River truly compete with European river cruises? Is slow travel the way to go? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
