[2][3][4] The name "Marlo" is generally accepted to have roots in tribal aboriginal language.

[6] The first settler to occupy the Marlo township area was James Stirling around the year 1875.

By 1884, this structure had expanded to a 9 roomed accommodation house and in 1886 became the Marlo Hotel when a liquor license was granted.

[5] During May 1889, the government surveyor, E.L. Bruce set out 19 sections of the new township, with the first sales of subdivided land occurring the following May.

It was a general store, accommodation house and the unofficial post office, with settlers taking turns in bringing the mail from Orbost or Cunningham.