Although construction began in late 1915, a shortage of rails and the impact of the war impeded progress and, after suspending work in 1920 for some two years, the line opened on 24 February 1923.

The villages of Byee and Mondure can attribute their existence to the establishment of the line, however Hivesville was already an established centre by the time of construction, predating it by at least a decade and it subsequently became a thriving service centre for the district in the immediate years after the line's opening.

Proston township developed around the site of the terminus of the line from 1923 and in later years prior to the war it overtook Hivesville in size and importance.

During part of the construction phase, a state school operated in a tent along the track-side for labourers' children.

The branch line from Barlil to Windera was closed on 1 July 1961.