During the CAOS Tough Tested 2022 tour, our crews felt part of the community at the Berri Riverside Resort–which is no surprise, given that it’s community-owned!

“On-site managers Mark and Merle Venter made us feel very welcome from the moment we arrived,” says Chris New for the What’s Up Downunder team.

“We had access to a magnificent camp kitchen. 

“The park is beautifully laid out. It has two big camp kitchens, one we had for our event. But there is another that had music and a campfire going–that was awesome as well.”

Close to the action!

We’re a mixed bunch but luckily Berri Riverside Holiday Park welcomes all kinds of travellers, with more than 120 grassy powered sites, some with ensuite facilities, others with drive-through access. There are cabins here, too, including wheelchair-accessible cabins if mobility’s a challenge. 

We stayed here as it is just 15 minutes to our Mega Test Track and the high-adrenaline challenges at Loveday 4X4 Adventure Park. But there’s also the Monash Adventure Park, 10 minutes down the road for the kids. Or tranquil river walks and the Berri Golf Club for a quieter scene. 

It’s community-run

Notably, this spacious park is just across the road from the Murray River and just a “hop, step and a skip” into Berri, says Chris. But its links to the community extend beyond proximity: it’s owned by the Berri War Memorial Community Centre.

Indeed, since Merle and Mark Venter signed on in 2018, they’ve funnelled millions into the community–not just through camping fees and coffees but via the bespoke, professionally designed mini-golf and river cruises operating year-round, increasing Berri’s overall appeal.

Cruising the Murray 

Timing their visit for February this year, our week one CAOS Tough Tested testers reflected upon their adventures aboard the seasonal Berri Riverside dinnertime cruise. More specifically, they sipped their favourite beverages out on the deck as the sun hit the Murray River cliffs, catching the final view indoors as they tucked into a glorious multi-course meal. 

“It was spectacular,” says Chris. 

Berri Riverside Resort tailors its cruise offerings throughout the year to suit the seasons.

Awesome assets for all ages!

During our event, our testers also enjoyed a hit at the Berri Riverside Resort nine-hole mini-golf course–the second community asset born from Mark and Merle’s vision. It’s a fantastic space for kids, but live music and nibblies transform it after dark. The coffees and Wednesday pizza nights at Berri Riverside are A-one.

Chris thought highly of the gradual beach-style entrance to the main swimming pool–one of two in the park (the other is solar heated). 

“The kids would just love it.” 

It’s a great option if you’ve got toddlers, just want to throw a toe in to cool down or live with limited mobility.