In 1891 the Canning Jarrah Timber Company were attracted to the area’s potential and took up a 100 000 acre timber lease. They built a zig zag (the climb was so steep, the engine had to alternate - pushing and pulling) railway between their mill and the main railway connection at Midland.

The government took over the railway line in 1903 and it continued operation until 1949.

Today the old zig zag railway has been turned into a scenic drive.