It is unusual because it has no public access but exists purely to provide a connection between two rail systems.

The station was opened in 1991 by British Rail when the Isle of Wight Steam Railway was extended to reach the Island Line, in order to provide a passenger interchange between the two.

It is only served on days that both the Island Line and the Steam Railway are open, as there is no access either by path or by road.

In 1926, following the island's rail network passing to the Southern Railway, a signal box and points were installed at Smallbrook.

If the Isle of Wight Steam Railway achieves its long-term aim of extending to Ryde St. Johns Road, it is likely that Smallbrook Junction station would close.