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Marion Bay, on the very foot of Yorke Peninsula, is recorded as being named after the steamer Marion which was wrecked on a reef (now known as Marion Reef).

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Like many towns, the population of Marion Bay developed in response to economic opportunity. Gypsum, a mineral used as an ingredient for plaster was discovered in the area and William Innes (after whom the mining village and the National Park are named) formed a company in the 1880's, to mine gypsum leases in the area.

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As a substantial jetty was necessary to support the export of large quantities of gypsum being mined, the Marion Bay jetty was built in 1889, along which the gypsum was transported from the Inneston mining operations, located in what is now known as Innes National Park. By the 1920's grain, wool and salt were also being shipped from Marion Bay. In In 1930, Stenhouse Bay took over the shipment of gypsum from lower Yorke Peninsula.

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By 1970, Inneston had become a ghost town as mining operations ceased. Marion Bay has now developed into a popular holiday town with the population swelling from around 150 residents to several hundred during the summer months.

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Facilities

• General store offering a wide range of goods and services including fuel, ice, bait, tackle and groceries.

• Tennis, volleyball and netball courts.

• Lawn balls and bocce green.

• Playground.

• Community hall and public toilets.

• Public telephone.

• Marion Bay Tavern - 2007 AHA Best Country Restaurant

• Café.

• Boat ramp.

• Jetty.