The land around Yankalilla was originally inhabited by the Kaurna people. The name 'Yankalilla' is an anglicised version of the Kaura word Yarnkalyilla (or Yangkalyilla), the name for the area near Lady Bay.

Two early settlers who arrived in 1842 were Henry Kemmis, who established Manna Farm, and Septimane Herbert, who built his home Wissanger. A later arrival was Thomas Willson, who in 1857 had part of his land surveyed into 25 allotments to form the township of Yankalilla.

The 1860s was a boom time for Yankalilla when wheat growing was an important industry. The Butterworth brothers, John and Eli, built a four mill at Yankalilla and shipped wheat and flour to Adelaide and Melbourne. However, with the decline in wheat crops, many residents left the district. In 1887 Yankalilla was described as a perfect 'Sleepy Hollow'. In more recent times, however, it has seen an increase in its population as its relaxed lifestyle makes it a perfect place for retirees, and even for younger people it is a relatively easy commute to Adelaide.

Christ Church 2020, by Karen Toleman