The first recorded exploration of the adjacent coastline was by Matthew Flinders in the vessel HMS Investigator from 10–13 February 1802.

Edward John Eyre explored the area on land in 1840 and 1841 on a journey to Western Australia from Port Lincoln.

It is named after the writer and educator Ellen Liston who was born in London in 1838 and emigrated to South Australia in 1850.

[4] Those dismissive of women's contributions to history have suggested that Jervois, who had a military background, chose to honour Sir Henry Walton Ellis (1783–1815) who was a hero of the Battle of Waterloo during which campaign he died of his wounds.

"[5] The area was settled in the 1840s with Elliston being the central port from which the early settlers transported their wool and wheat to market.

The southern end of the Lake Newland Conservation Park lies about 10 km to the north of the town.

Elliston experiences a warm-summer mediterranean climate (Köppen: Csb); with warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters.

The town has a number of sporting clubs and facilities, as well as churches, a hotel, and many local businesses, such as a bakery, a hair salon, and more.

The hall, which was officially opened on 10 February 1968, is distinguished by its mural which was painted with the help of local community members under the direction of artists Siv Grava and John Turpie.