Fernbank, Victoria

37°52′S 147°20′E / 37.867°S 147.333°E / -37.867; 147.333Population152 (2016 census)^[1]Postcode(s)3864Elevation122 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 GippslandRegionGippslandCountyAustraliaState electorate(s)Gippsland EastFederal 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. In the 2016 census, it had a population of 152.^[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 Fernbank Landscape and Flora Reserve, just off of the main highway, Princes Highway. There are some 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.

References