Berri, South Australia

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. The population is about 7000. It is home to Berri Ltd.

1 History
2 Climate and Geography
3 The Town Today
4 Governance
5 Born in Berri, SA
6 See also
7 References
8 External links

[edit] 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 1950's, 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.

[edit] 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.^[1]

[edit] 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. On the waterfront, under the same roof as the Berri visitor centre, is Red Gums cafe and wine bar, a popular gathering point for Berri professionals and tourists alike. Red Gums is popular for its Alfresco dining, particularly on warm evenings, which are in abundance in Berri, and as a place for coffee, cake and lunch during the day. Friday's happy hour attracts locals after work for drinks, many of whom stay for the fine dining and the soup and pasta specials. 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.^[2]

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.