It is an erect, short-lived perennial shrub with lyrate or lobed leaves, egg-shaped to elliptic in outline with toothed edges, and leafy racemes of bluish-purple flowers.

Goodenia macmillanii is an erect, short-lived perennial shrub that typically grows to a height of 50 cm (20 in).

[2][3][4] Goodenia macmillanii was first formally described by Victorian Government Botanist Ferdinand von Mueller in 1859 in Fragmenta Phytographiae Australiae, from specimens collected near the "McAllister River".

[4][6] Pinnate goodenia grows on rocky slopes in the valleys of the Macalister, Snowy and Deddick Rivers.

It can withstand light to moderate frosts and prefers a sandy loam although it may be grown in rocky or clay-based soils.