The name Ferndale originated from developers who decided not to proceed with the City of Canning's choice of Shearnstead.

[3] Ferndale is bounded by Metcalfe Road to the south-east, the Canning River to the north and north-west, and Bannister Creek to the south-west.

Bannister derives its name from the creek that starts in Lynwood and passes through Ferndale, where it discharges into the Canning River.

Ferndale is served by the Transperth bus service 508 linking the area to Bull Creek and to Cannington.

Prior to the commencement of the Mandurah railway line, Transperth operated two routes through Ferndale (877 and 878), which had linked the suburb to Perth via Willetton and the Kwinana Freeway.