Operated as a public school from December 1868 until August 1871, then as a half-time school with Macdonald Upper from September 1871 until 1873, then as a provisional school from 1873 until August 1879, and again as a public school from August 1879 until closure in September 1963. The school was known as Macdonald River (2) until August 1871, then as Macdonald Lower (2) until 1873 and again as Macdonald River (2) until 1879 when it was renmamed Macdonald Upper (2).