The name "Berri" is from the local Aboriginal tribe, Meri, meaning "a wide bend in the river".

[citation needed] The area was first explored by European settlers when Charles Sturt navigated the Murray River.

[4] Irrigation subsequently led to the establishment of vineyards and fruit orchards (such as citrus, apricots and peaches).

[6] The climate is evident by its location, north of Goyder's Line and surrounded by mallee scrub.

The Berri Visitors Centre shares a spot on the waterfront at the bottom of Vaughan Terrace with River Jacks cafe.

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.

Nearby is the "Katarapko" section of the Murray River National Park which is a popular area for camping, birdwatching, canoeing and bushwalking.

A past local tourist attraction was the Big Orange, it offered a three-storey high observation deck over the plains and river.

Development ideas for the future of the site included an orchid nursery, waterfall, butterfly house, tropical garden and bird cages.

A monument is sculptured out of two slabs of finely polished black granite and engraved with images of birds and animals – a part of Jimmy's spirit world.