[1] Queensland Railways always referred to the line as the Wooloongabba Branch (with one 'l'), despite the official spelling of the suburb it ran through being Woolloongabba (spelt with two 'l's).

The line was built to provide a connection for Ipswich area coal mines exporting from and/or refueling ships at the wharves.

[4] The South Brisbane Wharf Branch extension was proposed in 1889 and costings were made in 1892.

The major locomotive depot for the southern half of Brisbane's suburban network was at "Wooloongabba".

The line was extended to the State Fish Market near Victoria Bridge, opening on 30 March 1897[1] with the first consignment of goods on 12 April.