FERNVALE Fernvale is a small town encounted when traveling the Ipswich to Esk Highway. Fernvale is increasingly becoming dormitory commute town servicing Ipswich and Brisbane. Country lifestyle being a key determinant. There is little heritage on offer, or has survived. Fernvale State Primary School was established in 1872. However, the name of the town used to be called Stinky Gully and was not changed until the 1900s. Fernvale is a favourite ride/drive destination at weekends to try the famous pies. Situated a few kilometres from the Brisbane River, it is 30 km away from Ipswich and 60 km away from Brisbane. It is 80 km away from Toowoomba and 120 km from the Gold Coast. The Brisbane Valley Highway goes through Fernvale. Fernvale is located 8 km away from a major source of water supply, Wivenhoe Dam. It has a medium size supermarket, a large newsagent, butcher, bakery, hotel, petrol station, hairdresser, and mechanics. It has a population of about 1500. The Brisbane River passes through Fernvale. People go there for recreation, camping and fishing. One part of the river is called Savages Crossing, while another part is called Twin Bridges. In 1996, major floods flooded Fernvale. Trees fell, power lines fell, traffic held up and worst of all, Savages Crossing Bridge snapped in half. Fernvale is well-known for their markets. Of a Sunday morning the markets are held, and at times you have to park a kilometre or two away. People from Ipswich and Brisbane travel in to get some bargains. During the 1893 Black February floods residents of Fernvale had to take to trees and rooftops for up to three nights to escape raging flood waters. In February 2008, Winnah Films shot the movie Savages Crossing partly at the actual Savages Crossing. Winnah is John and Cody Jarratts film Production Company. The Fernvale War Memorial is a simple but modern representation. The Fernvale United Church is the only church within the township. There are two tavern type pubs in the town. The Fernvale having the most character. If passing through Fernvale those pies may be enough to pull over and enjoy the pie and refreshment. Heritage diary