Things To Do
in Berri
Berri is a small riverside town in South Australia’s Riverland region, known for its fruit orchards, vineyards and a relaxed Murray River lifestyle. The town serves as a service and tourism hub for river activities, food producers and nearby wetlands. Berri features a scenic riverfront, the iconic Big Orange landmark and easy access to Banrock Station wetlands and regional wineries.
Visitors come for river boating, birdwatching, fresh produce and the slower pace of country life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll along the Murray River, taking in the stunning landscapes and vibrant wildlife. Join a guided walking tour to learn about the local flora and fauna, while enjoying the fresh morning air. Stop by a nearby café for a delicious breakfast featuring local produce before heading off for more adventures.
Explore Berri's rich agricultural history at the Berri Sawmill Museum where you can discover the region's timber industry. After that, visit the local Farmer's Market to sample fresh fruits and produce from the surrounding farms. As the afternoon draws to a close, consider a scenic drive through the countryside to catch views of the grapevines and orchards.
Unwind in the evening with a sunset cruise along the Murray River, enjoying the tranquil waters and breathtaking scenery. After the cruise, head to a local restaurant that specializes in Riverland cuisine, and indulge in a delightful dinner. Wrap up your day by stargazing by the riverside, soaking in the serene atmosphere.
Begin with breakfast at a café in town, sampling some of the best locally sourced ingredients. Then, take a trip to some nearby wineries, where you can join a guided tasting session and learn about the winemaking process. Make sure to take plenty of photos amongst the vineyards, capturing the essence of the Riverland.
Continue your wine journey with a vineyard lunch at a picturesque estate, enjoying gourmet dishes perfectly paired with local wines. Spend the afternoon exploring more wineries, meeting the friendly vintners, and perhaps buying a bottle or two to take home. As you taste more varieties, you’ll appreciate the unique characteristics that the Riverland terroir offers.
For dinner, treat yourself to a decadent meal at one of Berri's upscale restaurants featuring a menu inspired by the region's produce. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere complemented by live music as you savor each course. Finish the night with a nightcap at a local bar, mingling with locals and fellow travelers.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $15-25 |
| ☕Coffee (flat white) | $4-5 |
| 🍷Mid-range restaurant dinner for two (with wine) | $60-100 |
| ⛽Fuel (per litre) | $1.70-2.20 |
| 🚌Regional bus ticket (short trip) | $5-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful Murray River scenery and water activities
- Fresh local produce, vineyards and cellar doors
- Relaxed small-town atmosphere with friendly locals
- Limited late-night entertainment and shopping options
- Hot summers can be uncomfortable for some visitors
- Public transport is limited—car recommended
Places to Visit in Berri
Visit one of these nice places.
Sunrise and sunset reflections on the Murray River, riverboats, and boardwalks—excellent for golden-hour shots.
Iconic oversized orange sculpture and lookout—great for quirky travel portraits and wide-angle shots.
Wetland boardwalks, birdlife and mirrored water provide excellent wildlife and landscape photography opportunities.
Rows of vines, fruit trees and seasonal harvest activity—best in spring blossom and late summer harvest light.
Industrial-river landscapes with water flows, boats and local working river scenes—dramatic after rain or during high flow.
Food in Berri
Berri Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Freshly harvested oranges, peaches and apricots from local orchards—find them at farmers’ stalls, café breakfasts and produce shops in town.
Must-Try!
Local catches such as Murray cod and golden perch served pan-fried or grilled in pubs and riverside restaurants when in season.
Hearty mains—parmas, steaks and schnitzels—using local produce; available at Berri’s hotels and pubs.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Occasional weekend stalls and farm-gate setups where you can buy fresh fruit, preserves, nuts and homemade goods—best in harvest season (summer/autumn).
Nearby town markets (Loxton, Renmark) offer street-food vendors, baked goods and artisan products—check local event calendars for market days.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People are informal—greetings like 'G'day' are common. A handshake is fine for introductions; maintain relaxed eye contact.
Acknowledge that you are visiting lands of local Aboriginal peoples and follow signage at cultural sites; ask before photographing people or cultural sites.
For tours, cellar-door tastings and restaurants, bookings are appreciated—arrive on time for scheduled activities.
Safety
Tipping in Berri
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not obligatory in Australia but appreciated for exceptional service; rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% in restaurants is welcome but not expected in pubs and cafés.
Cards (Visa, Mastercard) and contactless payments are widely accepted; small stalls may prefer cash—ATMs and EFTPOS machines are available in town.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and dry—temperatures often reach the low to high 30s°C (can exceed 40°C in heatwaves). Ideal for fruit picking and river swimming but requires sun protection, early starts and plenty of water.
Warm days and cooler nights; harvest season for many fruits and a pleasant time for wine tastings, river cruises and outdoor activities.
Cooler and crisp, daytime temperatures commonly 10–15°C with colder mornings; river fog and clear skies are common—good for quieter travel and indoor cellar-door visits.
Mild to warm, flowering orchards and vineyards; comfortable for hiking and cycling with fewer insects than summer.
Berri at Night
Hiking in Berri
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short boardwalks and walking paths through wetlands with bird hides—easy, family-friendly and great for wildlife photography.
Flat, scenic walking routes along the river in Berri and neighbouring towns—ideal for relaxed walks and cycling.
A collection of local walking and cycling routes through orchards and scenic river country—best explored by car with short on-foot sections.
Longer, more remote trails and lookout spots in nearby conservation areas—good for birding, remote scenery and multi-hour hikes; check access and conditions before visiting.
Airports
How to reach Berri by plane.
Small airstrip for private and light aircraft—limited general aviation access; check operators in advance.
Small regional airport (~35–45 km) serving light aircraft and some charter services—useful for regional access.
Larger regional airport in Victoria (~100–130 km east) with scheduled flights to Melbourne and other centres—commonly used by visitors to the Riverland.
Main international airport (~240–260 km southwest) providing national and international connections; allow ~3 hours drive from Berri.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Families and retirees who have lived in the Riverland for generations and work in agriculture, local services and trades.
Local Aboriginal peoples (Traditional Owners) with cultural connections to the Murray River region—community groups and cultural sites are present.
Seasonal fruit-picking and packing attract backpackers, temporary migrants and migrant-worker communities that support the horticulture industry.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local footy clubs are central to community life, with matches and junior programs attracting regular support.
Played in summer at local ovals and schools, with community competitions and family participation.
Recreational and competitive boating on the Murray—rowing, powerboats and sailing are popular on the river.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Berri.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in cafés and many restaurants offer salads, pasta or vegetarian mains; ask for seasonal fruit- and vegetable-based dishes.
Smaller town options are more limited than in cities—book ahead or call cafés; many places can accommodate gluten-free requests but always confirm when ordering.
Inform staff about allergies; cellar doors and producers are usually helpful but some stalls may lack formal allergen labeling.