The name Berri comes from the Aboriginal word 'bery bery' the description of the "big river bend" on which the town has grown. Up until the 1870's the area was part of the Cobdogla sheep station and the home of the Erawirunga People. In those days it was just one of the hundreds of woodpiles along the huge Murray-Darling system, used by the riverboats for refueling.

The town was proclaimed and the first irrigation block allocated in 1911, which lead to the first permanent settlers taking up residence. More town history can be found here.

Berri has grown to be the major government service centre for the region and has developed a strong commercial hub, supported with extensive shopping outlets and a beautiful green riverfront complete with riverside dining  options.

There are plenty of natural landscapes to explore. The township is literally on the door step of the  Katarapko National Park and the towns Riverside trail leads you to the exquisite Martin Bend wetlands connecting with Berri Bridge Mural, Riverboat Interpretive trail and 'A Special Place for Jimmy James' along the way. Take a stroll, jog or ride your bike along the 'Lion Allan Thurmer recreation trail' and you'll find plenty of stories about the local history and environment.

Berri Lookout Tower Berri Community Mural Murray River National Park - Katarapko Berri Bridge Mural Berri Lions Club Walking Trail A Special Place for Jimmy James Martins Bend Reserve Berri War Memorial Murray River Hope Street Mural Berri Fitness Equipment

Berri Lookout Tower

The Berri Lookout Tower has been formed by converting a disused town water tower into a lookout. Wonder up the 15.8 metre tower to get stunning views of the Berri Township and the Murray River.

Murray River National Park - Katarapko

Explore the floodplain and mallee by visiting Katarapko. This area is popular for all kinds of activities including camping, fishing, canoeing, bushwalking, bird watching and picnicking. There is a six kilometre Mallee Drive that takes you past a number of multi-stemmed trees, which indicate you have entered the mallee. Sand goannas, kangaroos and parrots may be seen resting or feeding along this drive. There are also a number of walking trails including; Kai Kai Nature Trail - an easy 30 minute walk; Ngak Indau Walking Trail - takes 1 hours; Cragg's Hut Walk - an easy trail that takes one hour.

Berri Bridge Mural

Tucked away underneath the Berri Bridge this mural depicts the Aboriginal heritage of the area. The mural is on a large slab of jarrah bolted to the underpass of the bridge with a circle of totem poles. The story of the mural is based on the Ngurunderi Dreaming story of the origins of the Murray River.

Berri Lions Club Walking Trail

Enjoy the scenery as you wander along this scenic 4km trail that goes from Berri Marina to Martin Bend Reserve.

A Special Place for Jimmy James

Jimmy James (the second) was a famous blacktracker, who was born around 1910 and belonged to the Pitjantjatjara people. He moved to the Riverland in the 1940's and took his name from his equally famous father-in law. He became a legend in his own lifetime when he was used extensively by the Police forces in South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and the Northern Territory, to track felons, escapees and missing people. Jimmy passed away in 1991, and is buried at Gerard, the Aboriginal settlement near Winkie. The monument is sculptured out of two large slabs of black granite which are finely polished and engraved with images of birds and animals - a part of Jimmy's spirit world.

Martin Bend Reserve

One of the Riverland's most popular picnic spots, Martin Bend Reserve is situated on the banks of the Murray River a short distance from the centre of Berri. A popular spot for swimming and water skiing the reserve also has barbecue areas along with a boat ramp. It is also one end of the Lions Club Walking Trail, a four kilometre trail passing along the Berri riverfront linking Martin Bend Reserve with the Berri Marina and the centre of town.

Martin Bend Reserve offers 40 unallocated campsites on a first come first served basis, simply book and select the site that appeals to your family.  This picturesque campground is the perfect location for your next quiet getaway, offering swimming, fishing, walking trails and BBQ facilities.

You can book online here or by clicking this QR code

Berri War Memorial

This was erected in the 1950's to commemorate the District's war effort. It includes an Honour Roll framed by the Honour Gates.

Murray River

The magnificent Murray River meanders through the Berri Barmera district and is the lifeblood of the region. There are numerous picnic, fishing and camping spots along the river and in summer there's always the opportunity for some great skiing. For more information contact one of the Visitor Information Centres.