After an awesome stay in Waikerie, it was time to hitch up the van and hit the road again! We’re planning to follow the River for a bit before heading down to Pinnaroo to check out some of the inland gems. Then, we’ll circle back to the Murray River for more fun.
We made a pit stop at Berri, where we found a cozy spot to park and stretch our legs. The town’s name is derived from the indigenous word bery bery’ meaning
“bend in the river’ and was proclaimed in 1911. While wandering around, we stumbled upon a lovely coffee shop right by the river. It was a bit breezy, but the sun was doing its best to peek through the clouds. Across the river, there was a delightful array of houseboats moored along the bank. Such a charming sight!
During our walk we came across a public artwork is a tribute to a locally renowned identity Jimmy James who worked as a tracker working with the South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Northern Teritory Police Forces over a period spanning more than 30 years. His tracking skills contributed to the capture of some 40 criminals and the rescue of ten people who had been lost in the bush.
We encountered a three-cylinder pump referred to as “The Pump.” This irrigation pump, known as the “heart of the settlement,” supplied water from 1921 to 1959. The large pump lifted water for distribution to vineyards, orchards, and homes.
Our next stop was Loxton before heading to Pinaroo to visit the ‘Tree of Knowledge’. The tree knowledge markers on it trunk indicates last floods including the highest in 1956. The tree itself is a majestic river red gum that has survived many severe floods.
Information sourced from a plaque printed in 2021. Produced by Berri Barmera Local History Officer with photos from Local History Collection.
