[2] It is in the Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council local government area, 100 kilometres (62 mi) north west of the state capital, Adelaide.

[3] The first European settler, in early 1841, was the livestock overlander and pastoralist William Peter, who held an Occupation Licence to establish sheep runs and shepherd huts throughout that district.

[5] The township grew rapidly and by 1865 it comprised a hotel, several churches, a school, two general stores, two blacksmiths, a post office, a steam flour mill, plus many other facilities.

One of the most notable Marrabel rodeo events took place in 1953, when buckjumper Alan Woods successfully rode a notoriously difficult horse named Curio.

The ride became so legendary that a life size statue of horse and rider was commissioned to commemorate the event, which now stands prominently one end of the main street.