July 28th, 2025Our region’s history with Natalie Pool

James Lane Railway Station opened on February 16, 1880 on the Carlsruhe to Trentham Line. Its name was changed to Fern Hill Railway Station on April 15, 1880. Why, may you ask? The discovery of ferns in the area could be a possible reason or there simply may be no explanation for the name change.
The introduction of the railway saw Fern Hill become an important transport hub which enabled the expansion of the area. The Railway Hotel and Clowes Store relocated to the station precinct in 1879 and 1880 respectively. The Post Office opened in 1882. They were all taking advantage of the increased numbers coming to town and capturing a share of the railway business in the process.
However, some farmers in the area were not happy with the railway department and the lack of action on acquiring the ‘necessities’ for the railway station.

The Kyneton Observer of March 23, 1882 reported on the Tylden and Trentham Farmers Union meeting.
Mr Hanson had the attention of the meeting citing the very great inconvenience existing at the Fern Hill Railway Station, lacking a weighbridge, cattle, sheep, and pig yards. Also, there needed to be more suitable and commodious passenger waiting rooms, in place of the present shed – and promised to the residents about six months earlier.
Mr Hanson urged the union to take the matter up but it would take many years for his wish list to be completed.
Fast forward to 1886 and the Fern Hill area was still progressing rapidly. Tenders were awarded for the erection of railway station buildings in that year. The sheep and cattle yards followed in 1888, and the long-anticipated station master’s residence was erected late in 1889.
The immediate area around the railway station had a hotel, post office, mechanics’ hall, butchers, post office and a general store all in close proximity and life’s necessities were taken care of. But where there is progress, there is also opportunistic behaviour.

The Kyneton Observer of August 11, 1887 reported on a robbery of a case of brandy from the Fern Hill railway station towards the end of the previous week. “Mr M O’Connell, who keeps a hotel in James Lane, took delivery of sundry goods, which had arrived with his order by rail from Melbourne, and removed part of them in his cart, leaving the balance for a second load.
“On returning to the station, he noticed that a case of brandy was missing, and though a diligent search was instituted the case was not discovered, and Mr O’Connell had to return without it.”
Another incident was reported in the Ballarat Star of May 7, 1890, this time letter stealing.
“Mounted Constable Mahoney, this morning arrested a lad, aged 16 years; named John Thorneycroft, on two separate charges of stealing letters addressed to Fern Hill, and the property, in trust, of the Postmaster General.

“The date of the first alleged offence is 11th April, and that of the second, 18th April. Much regret is expressed for the lad’s family, who are well and favourably known throughout the district. The accused has for some years been employed in conveying the mail bags to and from Fern Hill railway station and East Trentham.”
Even with the bad behaviour of a minority, Fern Hill Station was known for transporting timber, potatoes, hay and of course, passengers.
The Timber, Spuds and Spa book shows the statistics of the station over the years. In 1890: Passengers 8002, Goods-in 802 tons and Goods-out 5985 tons. By 1930, the passenger numbers were down to 1451 but the tonnage in was 1350 and tonnage out 6311. With passenger numbers on the decline due to the motor vehicle, the stationmaster was removed on June 18, 1930.
The Fern Hill Railway Station was closed to all traffic on July 3, 1978. It was a historical reminder of what a bustling centre Fern Hill had been.
In March 1998, the area fell victim to an arsonist, and the disused but historic railway station is no longer. It is unknown whether anyone was charged.

Note: Some of the buildings listed above still exist as private homes.

Images: Top two images courtesy of Trentham Historical Society, 1970