Progressively opened between 1884 and 1913, the railway provided a vital transport link between Ipswich and Yarraman and forged development and prosperity along its path.

Opened on 9 August 1886, the line's second stage passed through Clarendon, Coominya, and Mount Hallen and terminated at Esk.

The town of "Gallanani" (perhaps an aboriginal name for the eastern swamp hen) was established at present day Esk in 1872.

Esk grew to become the principal township in the Brisbane Valley and refreshment rooms were added in 1912 and relocated as house in 1978.

Fast and cheap transport of timber to Brisbane was also required to support housing for the burgeoning population in the state's capital.

The already successful Cressbrook condensed milk factory operated in Toogoolawah and the advent of the railway boosted its development.

The name Toogoolawah was chosen for the railway station after a local family's home in Brisbane called "Tugulawa" meaning a "bend in the river".

At its height, the railway complex included a goods shed, turntable, camping quarters, cattle yards, station master's residence and pig pens.

Yimbun (previously called Moorabool and later Kannangur) is only some 4  miles beyond Toogoolawah and three trains a week plied the line from Ipswich.

More than six years later, on 22 November 1910, the line's fifth stage was opened to Linville and stops were established at Harlin, Nurinda and Moore.

Cattle, sheep and pig yards were built at Harlin when the railway opened and a crossing loop was constructed in 1941 allowing trains to pass.

[4] During World War II the coastline was thought vulnerable to attack and an alternative defence road was built with the railway used to transport fuel.