The locality takes its name from the Isis River, which in turn was named by mine owner William Howard who lived in the area from 1862. Howard named it after the Isis River in England, a tributary of the River Thames.[2]
In 1894, local sugarcane growers decided to raise funds to build the Isis Central Sugar Mill. The Queensland Government approved the construction of the mill, costing £26,000 and Walkers Limited were engaged to build the mill. The first crushing began on Tuesday 7 September 1897.[3]
There are no schools in Isis Central. The nearest primary schools are in neighbouring Cordalba and Booyal. The nearest secondary school is in Childers.[6]