The origin of the name is uncertain, but it is thought to be a corruption of the name Tralee in Ireland.

[2] Tarlee is in the lower Mid North region where Horrocks Highway crosses the Gilbert River.

Tarlee was on the Peterborough railway line between Roseworthy junction and Burra.

For a short period, Forrester's near Tarlee was the terminus as construction was authorised in two stages in the late 1860s.

[5] Tarlee is in the District Council of Clare and Gilbert Valleys local government area, the South Australian House of Assembly electoral district of Frome and the Australian House of Representatives Division of Grey.