River Dream Boatel going for three in row!

Sometimes it is easy to forget just how well some of our local businesses stack up when they are put alongside the best in the world.

But one Mildura tourism operator is once again doing exactly that.

River Dream Boatel, based on the Murray River at Nichols Point, is back in the running for the 2026 World Luxury Travel Awards, with public voting now open.

And this isn't River Dream's first crack at the international stage either.

The locally based luxury houseboat has already been recognised as a Global Winner in both 2024 and 2025, meaning a win this year would make it three years in a row.

Not bad for little old Mildura

We're a long way from the major capitals and the traditional luxury tourism hotspots of the world, yet here is a boat based on our stretch of the Murray River being judged alongside luxury travel experiences from around the globe.

We previously stepped aboard River Dream during a birthday celebration for a look at what the Boatel experience is all about.

River Dream isn't your average houseboat either.

It has been designed more like a luxury floating hotel, complete with five king staterooms, private ensuites, huge river views, a gourmet kitchen, entertaining areas and its impressive upstairs Sky Lounge.

It was also the first houseboat in Australia to receive a star rating under the AAA Tourism Houseboat STAR Rating Scheme, earning the top five-star rating.

But perhaps just as important as what is on board is what River Dream helps showcase outside the windows.

Guests aren't just hiring a luxury boat, they're experiencing the Murray River, Mildura and the wider Sunraysia region.

Taking Mildura with them

Every bit of international recognition for River Dream is also another little bit of recognition for our region.

People discovering the Boatel also discover the Murray, our wineries, local food, river towns and everything else that makes this part of the country worth visiting.

We also caught up for an interview to hear more about River Dream Boatel and the story behind this unique Mildura tourism experience.

That's probably the bit we should be most proud of locally.

River Dream has shown that you don't have to be based on Sydney Harbour, the Gold Coast or in some overseas luxury resort destination to compete on the world stage.

You can do it right here on the Murray River.

And after back-to-back global wins, there is now an opportunity to help them have another crack at it in 2026.

Help River Dream Go For Three

Voting for the 2026 World Luxury Travel Awards is open from 17–31 August 2026.

Scan the QR code below or hit the VOTE NOW button.

VOTE NOW

Let's see if a Mildura business can make it three global wins in a row.