Fernbank, Victoria

Fernbank Victoria
Fernbank
Coordinates	37°52′S 147°20′E / 37.867°S 147.333°E / -37.867; 147.333Coordinates: 37°52′S 147°20′E / 37.867°S 147.333°E / -37.867; 147.333
Population	630 (2001)[1]
Postcode(s)	3864
Elevation	122 m (400 ft)
Location	310 km (193 mi) E of Melbourne 40 km (25 mi) NE of Sale 30 km (19 mi) W of Bairnsdale
LGA(s)	Shire of East Gippsland
State electorate(s)	Gippsland East
Federal Division(s)	Gippsland
Mean max temp Mean min temp Annual rainfall 19.6 °C 67 °F 7.4 °C 45 °F 510.9 mm 20.1 in

Fernbank is a small country town on the Perry River in Victoria, Australia, approximately 310 km east of Melbourne. At the 2001 census, the small town of Fernbank had a population of 630.^[1] With the main highway, Princes Highway close by, the small community not only services itself, but travellers along the main highway that stop for a break.

History

The origin of the town's name is somewhat of a mystery. It is commonly believed that the town was named after the plants that grow by the banks of the Perry River, the fern, giving rise to the name, Fern-bank.

Fernbank Post Office opened on 1 January 1868 and closed in 1977.^[2]

Today

Approximately 2.5 km south-west of Fernbank is the beautiful Fernbank Landscape and Flora Reserve], just off of the main highway, Princes Highway. There are some beautiful walking tracks and picnic spots.

Transport

Fernbank used to be serviced by the Bairnsdale railway line, but the station closed to passengers in 1981 and then fully closed in 1996. There are still a disused crossing loop and goods platform at the station.

References