A lack of well resolved biostratigraphic data has prevented robust regional and global correlation of lower Cambriansuccessions from South Australia. A new early Cambrian biostratigraphy, based on data derived from 21measured stratigraphic sections and drill cores (11 described herein) reveals the abundance and diversity ofshelly fauna from the Arrowie Basin, and the value of early Cambrian “small shelly fossils” (SSF) for biostratigraphicstudies. Here we examine shelly fauna associated with the youngest of three recently establishedbiozones, the Dailyatia odyssei Taxon Range Zone (hereafter D. odyssei Zone), and their correlative potential.The D. odyssei Zone features a diverse suite of tommotiids, organophosphatic brachiopods, bradoriid arthropods,molluscs and phosphatic problematica. This fauna permits strong correlation (often at species-level) with othermajor early Cambrian terranes, particularly Antarctica, South China and Laurentia, and suggest a Cambrian Series2, Stages 3–4 age for the D. odyssei Zone. Bradoriids have proven to be useful biostratigraphic tools. Four newspeciesand three new genera are described herein: Acutobalteus sinuosus gen. et sp. nov., Eozhexiella adnyamathanha gen. etsp. nov., Manawarra jonesi gen. et sp. nov. and Mongolitubulus descensus sp. nov. The description of Eohadrotreta sp.cf. zhenbaensis represents the first occurrence of the acrotretoid brachiopod Eohadrotreta from Australia.