Star of India was one of the Blackwall frigates and was well known in the Indian and Australian passenger trade. In 1880 it brought passengers to South Australia including Josephine Jones, whose ticket can be seen at 'Passengers contract ticket'.

Star of India was a wooden ship later rigged as a barque, 1,102 tons, 190 feet long by 34 feet beam and a depth of 22 feet. She was built in 1861 by Stephen of Dundee, and by 1870 owned by Merchant Shipping Ltd.

Conditions aboard immigrant ships had by now much improved from those aboard the ships of the 1830s-1850s. Larger ships allowed an increase in the amount of space allowed for passenger exercise. Advances in technology in water distillation and ventilation made below decks accommodation in the 1870s more comfortable.

Diet had also improved: refrigeration had enabled this, plus with larger ships there was room for more livestock. With more space above and below decks, shorter voyages, and improved food and better medical supervision, the emigrants voyages were easier and the death toll, particularly among children had reduced. The vast majority of passengers throughout this period continued to travel in steerage, or third class as it was now known. Privacy was improved, with berths partitioned with a sliding door and curtain.