Fernvale View map of town area

Population 700

Name

The watercourse passing through this township was known in the early days of European settlement as Stinking Gully, and this name was officially changed to Ferny Gully only in 1930, at the request of the Esk Shire Council. Stores and other buildings were erected on the site of the present township, which became known unofficially as Stinking Gully after the nearby stream. The area on the northern side of Stinking Gully was known unofficially as Harrisborough after the store of J & J Harris which had been established there.

The Wivenhoe post office opened on 6th July 1870, and was at the centre then known as Fernvale Stores near Stinking Gully. This indicates that the name Fernvale was being used already by some people, albeit unofficially, no doubt in an attempt to overcome the unfortunate connotations of the existing unofficial name. It is assumed that Fernvale referred to the abundant ferns in the nearby creek.

The first official use of the name Fernvale was for Fernvale telegraph office which opened on 20th May 1876. The name Wivenhoe post office was changed to 'Fernvale' on 10th May 1877 and a combined Fernvale post and telegraph office was formed on 2nd December 1878.  The last local official establishment to change its name was the Harrisborough State School which became known as Fernvale State School in 1889.