Murray River Named by National Geographic in Top 25 places to visit in 2025

National Geographic has named the Murray River and our new luxury, overnight paddlesteamer debuting next year, PS Australian Star, on its new ‘Best of the World’ travel experiences list, released today – NatGeo.com/BestoftheWorld 

We are honoured to be included on this exclusive list and welcomed the announcement. Each year, National Geographic releases its ‘Best of the World’ list, celebrating ‘superlative’ destinations and travel experiences. Compiled by Nat Geo Traveller editors in collaboration with National Geographic experts and expedition leaders, the list this year names the Murray River as one of the 25 must-visit destinations worldwide for 2025, with the Murray the only Australian inclusion on the list.

Australian Star - Plan Ahead & Save

Embark on a journey of unprecedented luxury and charm with our exclusive offer

Secure your 2026 adventure on the PS Australian Star now and enjoy the following discounts on any departure! Plus, with our new Deposit Protection option, your deposit is safeguarded if your plans change. Don’t miss out on this exceptional offer!

  • 3 Night Cruises – Save $500 per couple – Promo Code AS32026
  • 4 Night Cruises – Save $700 per couple – Promo Code AS42026
  • 7 Night Cruises – Save $1500 per couple – Promo Code AS72026

Book by 31st December 2024 to lock in your savings. Grab your calendar and start planning today!

Embark on a journey into a new era of river cruising with the PS Australian Star—a vessel that not only bears a name steeped in heritage and pride but also represents the pinnacle of luxury on the iconic Murray River. 

Scheduled for a grand launch in June 2025, the PS Australian Star will redefine river cruising, offering year-round, all-inclusive, overnight experiences with 3, 4, and 7-night itineraries along the majestic Murray River, commencing from the charming town of Echuca in Victoria. Seamlessly taking over the reins of the beloved PS Emmylou, the Australian Star will assume the helm of the existing cruise itineraries, promising a voyage that seamlessly blends tradition with opulence.

As you step onto the decks of the PS Australian Star, you enter a realm where every detail tells a tale of the river’s rich heritage and the golden age of paddle steamers. The vessel itself is a masterpiece, a floating testament to the artistry and engineering that defined an era. Immerse yourself in the symphony of steam from the authentic 1907 wood-fired steam engine and the rhythmic churning of the paddlewheel as we embark on a leisurely voyage along the winding waters of the Murray River.

Named in honour of Australia’s celestial Southern Cross, the Australian Star invites you to explore its opulent interiors, where each cabin and lounge exudes an air of refinement. From the Hopwood Lounge & Bar, celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit of Echuca’s founder, to the Randell Dining Room, paying homage to the pioneering journey of William Randell, every space aboard is a chapter in a captivating narrative that unfolds with every river bend.

Boasting 19 plush and modern staterooms, each opening to a deck and featuring an ensuite, air-conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, luxury linen, and a TV entertainment system, the Australian Star ensures a luxurious retreat for every traveler. Moreover, its ever-changing river views provide a constant reminder of the beauty that surrounds.

As the PS Australian Star prepares to grace the waters, it beckons you to join a voyage where tradition meets modernity, and luxury becomes an art form. Welcome aboard the PS Australian Star, where history and luxury converge for an unforgettable riverine experience.