 The town of Smoky Bay was surveyed in 1913 under the name of Wallanippie, along with the aforementioned jetty and a Harbour's Board reserve.A large galvanised iron goods shed and a railway line extending to the far end of the jetty were established, allowing the town to operate as a port.The town's original name of "Wallanippie" was officially changed to "Smoky Bay" in 1940, after continued use of this name by locals since the town's establishment.