Originally settled around 1840, the town retains its village atmosphere in spite of encroaching suburbia.

Contemporary Australian linguists believe the name 'Noarlunga' is derived from the Kaurna nurlo (corner/curve/bend) + ngga (place).

[6] In the early years of settlement, the surrounding area was cleared for wheat farming, and a flour mill was built in the town in 1843 along with wharves used to transport produce down the Onkaparinga River to Port Noarlunga via barge.

By the 1860s the town had a post office, a council chamber, two churches, a public pound, two hotels, a mill, a brewery and a brickworks.

[7] Old Noarlunga became a well known sporting venue, visited by cycling clubs and throughout the 20th century the town was a popular stopping point for tourists on the way to beaches in the region.