Berala is derived from Bareela, an Aboriginal word for a Musk Duck. The area was originally swampy and attracted wild birds. When the railway line was being extended from Lidcombe to Regents Park, the names Torrington, Sidmouth and Bareela were considered.The station opened in 1912, the public school in 1924 and the post office in 1927.

Berala is located 20km west of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of Auburn Council.

Berala railway station is on the Inner West line and loop portion of the Bankstown Line of the CityRail network. Bus Services run between Auburn and Bankstown.

A small group of shops is located beside the railway station, comprising of Butchers, Hairdresser's, Chemist's, Fruit shop's, Cafe's etc

Berala Public school is the local primary school. There is also Trinity Junior Catholic College (formerly known as St Peter Chanel Primary School).

The local golf club is the exclusive Carnarvon Golf Course.

Next to the golf course is Coleman Park, containing two full size soccer fields, a baseball field, two mini soccer fields, as well as a children's recreation area and basketball facilities. A soccer club, Lidcombe Waratahs, is based at Coleman Park.

The Berala Bears are the local junior Rugby League team that play in the Canterbury Bulldogs junior Rugby Laegue competition. Their colours are gold and black, and their home ground is at Guilfoyle Park in the neighbouring suburb of Regents Park. Some ex-Berala Bears include former Brisbane Broncos forward Terry Matterson, Canterbury Bulldogs winger Matt Utai, South Sydney Rabbitohs half Jeremy Smith, and Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles Forward Anthony Watmough.