The aboriginal inhabitants of the region were from the Dharug language group. The area was originally known as Upper Dural until early settler Alex Hutchinson suggested in 1886 that the new school be named Galston after the town of Galston, East Ayrshire in Scotland. Galston had been an agricultural town since European settlement began, and it was home to a huge number of orchid growers. Galston Public School, Fagan Park and Waddell Cottage are some notable historical places in Galston. In 1973 Galston was proposed as one option for Sydney's second international airport but this proposal did not proceed.

Galston Gorge is located between Galston and Hornsby Heights. Galston Gorge is at the bottom of Galston Road, a winding road with a number of hairpin bends. Galston Gorge is the most direct route from Galston to Hornsby, carrying over 5,000 vehicles per day. As seen in the photograph the Galston Gorge road does get extremely wet and occasionally surface flooding occurs during heavy rain. The design of the Galston Gorge road is such it requires heightened care when driving or riding - it was built originally for horse and cart. Serious accidents are common on this stretch of road. Wild chickens inhabit the lower reaches and can often be seen scratching around in the leaf litter beside the road. In January, 2014 a car flipped in the Galston Gorge. Over the years the Gorge has been blocked by oversized vehicles attempting to enter the Gorge. Vehicles over 7.5 metres are not permitted to enter the Gorge. A roundabout at the intersection of Calderwood Road and Galston Road has a barrier to prevent vehicles over 7.5 metres from entering the Gorge. Cameras are positioned next to the roundabout to record over sized vehicles that attempt to enter the Gorge, and significant fines are imposed.

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