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.

Fernbank
Victoria
Fernbank is located in Shire of East Gippsland
Fernbank
Fernbank
Coordinates37°52′S 147°20′E / 37.867°S 147.333°E / -37.867; 147.333
Population152 (2016 census)[1]
Postcode(s)3864
Elevation122 m (400 ft)
Location
LGA(s)Shire of East Gippsland
RegionGippsland
CountyAustralia
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

History

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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

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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

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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

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  1. ^ a b "ABS 2001 Census". 9 March 2006. Retrieved 5 October 2008.
  2. ^ Premier Postal History. "Post Office List". Retrieved 11 April 2008.