The name Murdunna is believed to come from a local Aboriginal word meaning "place of the stars".

Many inhabitants commute to Hobart on a daily basis with improved roads.

Recreation is centred on Sommers Bay, about 5 km (3.1 mi) west of Murdunna itself.

[2] Murdunna Post Office opened on 1 June 1910 and closed in 1969.

[3] The waters of the Tasman Sea form the eastern boundary, and Norfolk Bay the western.