Berri, South Australia

Infobox Australian Place | type = town
name = Berri
state = sa

---

caption = The Berri bridge was built on one bank and pushed across the river onto the pylons
lga = Berri Barmera Council
postcode = 5343
pop = 4,008 "2006 Census" Census 2006 AUS
id=UCL402400
name=Berri (Urban Centre/Locality)
accessdate=2008-06-01
quick=on]
est = 1911
elevation= 31
maxtemp = 23.3
mintemp = 10.2
rainfall = 262.0
stategov = Chaffey
fedgov = Division of Barker
dist1 = 238
location1= Adelaide
near-ne = Renmark
near-w = Barmera
near-s = Loxton

Berri is a town in the Riverland region of South Australia. It is 238 kilometres north-east of Adelaide, the capital of the state of South Australia. It is primarily an agricultural and viticultural town on the north bank of the Murray River. It is the original home of a juice company, Berri Ltd.

History

The name "Berri" is from the local Aboriginal tribe, Meri, meaning "a wide bend in the river". The area was first explored by European settlers when Charles Sturt sailed down the Murray River. Its first impetus for settlement came when paddle steamers came down the River Murray and a refuelling stop was developed. This was to become Berri. The area was also part of Cobdogla Station.

In 1910, irrigation was established and Berri was proclaimed as a town in 1911. Irrigation subsequently led to the establishment of vineyards and fruit orchards (such as citrus, apricots and peaches). A distillery was established in 1918 and rail arrived in 1928. In 1943, the famous "Berri Juices" (Berri Ltd) were first produced. By the 1950s, Berri and other Riverland towns were dominated the local economy with fruit and their products.

Transport from one side of the Murray to the other consisted of two parallel ferries. These were replaced by a bridge in 1997.

Climate and Geography

Berri exists in a semi-arid location, above Goyder's Line. Berri is surrounded by mallee scrub. It is 31 metres above sea level. Berri has a dry mediterranean climate with seasonal temperatures a few degrees above Adelaide's temperatures. The average winter daily maximum temperature is 15.5 °C in July and the average summer daily maximum temperature is 31.1 °C in January. Average rainfall of Berri is 262.0 millimetres. The weather patterns are similar to those of Adelaide. [cite web |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_024002.shtml |title=Bureau of Meteorology: Berri Weather Statistics |accessdate=2006-04-11]

The Town Today

Berri is a multicultural town with a café and a hotel on the riverside, a main street that overlooks the river and other shopping facilities elsewhere in the town, such as the Riverland Plaza.

The Berri hotel is a popular pub and bistro also known for its operation as a nightclub under the moniker "the Vines" on Saturday nights. The country pub atmosphere and standard pub food attracts many locals each week.

The Berri Visitors Centre shares a spot on the waterfront at the bottom of Vaughan Terrace with the Red Gum cafe and wine bar. This is a popular gathering point for Berri professionals and tourists alike, not undue to its waterfront location, alfresco dining and proximity to the visitors centre itself.

Outside of town the charismatic multi award winning Mallee Fowl Restaurant provides 5 star quality food in an unusual atmosphere of australiana and memorabilia. The popularity of the restaurant is shown by the need to book ahead to avoid disappointment.

The river itself offers fishing, waterskiing and boating. A boat launching marina is located opposite the Berri caravan park on the waterfront. The Martin's Bend wetland offers educational walk and water sports. Nearby is Murray River National Park - Katarapko, a popular area for camping, birdwatching, canoeing and bushwalking.

A local tourist attraction is the Big Orange, offering a three-storey high observation deck over the plains and river. The facility offers souvenirs, refreshments and local produce. Development ideas for the future of the site include an orchid nursery, waterfall, butterfly house, tropical garden and bird cages. [cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/riverland/stories/s1558915.htm |title=The Big Orange, sold, sold, sold |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=2006-01-31 |accessdate=2006-04-11 |author=Glen O'Brien]

Berri is also home to the Monash Playground, which from 1967 to 1992, housed 180 quirkily designed items of playground equipment, mostly built by local shed builder, Grant Telfer [http://www.abc.net.au/riverland/stories/s1737985.htm] . Closed due to public litigation concerns, the park has now reopened as Monash Adventure Park.

Horticulture, in particular oranges and grapes is still strong in the area. Berri is situated in area of 3000 hectares of irrigated fruit orchards. Secondary industries include fruit packing, fruit juice, and wine.

Other popular events held by Berri is the popular annual Riverland Wine and Food Festival and the Riverland Rodeo.

Governance

Berri is in the Berri Barmera Council local government area. It is in the state electorate of Chaffey and the federal Division of Barker.

Born in Berri, SA

*Russell Ebert, champion Australian rules footballer

Notable residents

Archie Roach, singer/songwriter

Ruby Hunter, singer/songwriter

ee also

*Murray River Crossings
*South Australian food and drink

References

External links

* [http://theage.com.au/news/South-Australia/Berri/2005/02/17/1108500204154.html/ The Age travelguide - Berri]
* [http://dax.com.au/bbr/social.html#Berri/ Berri - Bookmark Biosphere]