It was first created in 1990, replacing the abolished electorate of Sadadeen, and was named after Tony Greatorex, the last President of the Legislative Council.

Greatorex was a mostly urban electorate, covering an area of 76 km2, and encompassing the Alice Springs suburbs of Sadadeen and Traeger Park.

Alice Springs has always been a conservative area, and has generally been considered Country Liberal Party heartland.

He was replaced by another CLP member, former radio broadcaster Matt Conlan, at the resulting by-election on 28 July.

Greatorex was abolished at the 2016 general election, with its constituents divided between Araluen, Braitling and Namatjira.