The practice was founded as Medical Specialists Associated in 1982 and was originally located at City Chambers in Civic in the centre of Canberra. In 1990 the facility was refurbished and re-equipped to include a freestanding day-hospital, which was named Mugga Wara Endoscopy and Daycare Unit. Mugga Wara is a local Aboriginal name meaning "a place where snakes can usually be found" – a reference to the appearance of the instruments we use. The practice was renamed gastrotrACT in 2003 to reflect the fact that by then it only provided gastroenterological services and its region.

In 1995 the MSA gastroenterologists combined with the three other leading endoscopists to establish Brindabella Endoscopy Centre in Garran, close to Canberra’s main teaching hospital, to meet the demand for dedicated private endoscopy services in the ACT. Facilities for consulting and administration were also allowed for at Brindabella. All consulting services were moved to the Garran site in 1998 and Mugga Wara Endoscopy was also relocated to the fifth floor of The National Capital Private Hospital when it opened that year.

gastrotrACT provides a wide range of specialist services in the field of gastroenterology. It administers the two endoscopy centres, has an active research program with a part time research officer, and its members are active in providing undergraduate and postgraduate teaching.