Big Orange

The Big Orange was conceived in the mid-1970s by entrepreneurs Bronte Coombe, Vern Chubb, and David Marshall, who invested $145,000 to create a landmark celebrating the Riverland's thriving citrus industry. They commissioned Adelaide architect John Twopenny, who had already made his mark designing unique structures (and would go on to create the Big Rocking Horse at Gumeracha in 1981). Hoffmann Engineering constructed the ambitious project using fibreglass panels over a steel frame, creating a structure that weighed 85 tonnes and featured four interior levels. The Big Orange officially opened on January 14, 1980, offering visitors a cafe, souvenir shop, function room, and a viewing platform with a 360-degree mural and stunning views over the Riverland's orchards. For over two decades, it served as a popular tourist attraction. In 2002, the Big Orange was sold to RivSkills, an employment and training agency, for between $100,000-$120,000. They operated it as an Enterprise Learning Centre, but financial losses and management issues forced closure in 2004. Kevin Dickerson purchased it in 2006 with expansion plans, but rising fuel prices and drought created business difficulties. In November 2008, local businessman Frank Vallelonga bought the property, planning to reopen it as a small theme park, but his state government grant application was rejected in 2012, ending those plans. Since 2004, the Big Orange has remained closed and abandoned since 2012, though it remains structurally sound and visible from the highway. In 2023, new redevelopment plans were submitted proposing a brewery, distillery, bar, restaurant, and cafe inside the Orange.

More Fun Facts

• •At 15 metres tall and 12 metres in diameter, it's the biggest 'big fruit' in all of Australia
• •Weighing 85 tonnes, it's one of the heaviest Big Things structures
• •Originally featured four complete interior levels with a cafe, shop, function room, and viewing platform
• •Architect John Twopenny also designed the famous Big Rocking Horse at Gumeracha (1981)
• •The interior viewing platform offered a complete 360-degree mural of the Riverland region
• •Berri is located in the Riverland, 238 kilometres north-east of Adelaide near the SA-Victoria border
• •The Big Orange has changed hands three times since 2002: to RivSkills (2002), Kevin Dickerson (2006), and Frank Vallelonga (2008)
• •Despite being closed since 2004, the structure remains in good condition
• •2023 redevelopment plans could see the Orange house a brewery, distillery, bar, and restaurant
• •The Riverland region is one of Australia's most important citrus-growing areas

Visiting Tips

• 💡The Big Orange is currently closed to enter but makes for a great photo opportunity from the road
• 💡Located just off the Sturt Highway, it's an easy stop when traveling between Adelaide and Mildura
• 💡Exercise caution when parking and photographing from the roadside
• 💡Check local tourism websites for updates on the redevelopment plans - it may reopen with brewery and restaurant facilities
• 💡Combine your visit with exploring Berri town and other Riverland attractions
• 💡The nearby Riverland region offers wine tours, river cruises, and agricultural experiences
• 💡Best photographed during golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) for dramatic lighting
• 💡Visit local Riverland farm gates and produce stands to taste the region's famous citrus