Myrniong was named for the murrnong plant, the local indigenous word for yam daisy, a popular food source.

European settlement began in around 1850 with local farmers producing wheat for hungry gold miners at nearby Blackwood.

The Post Office opened on 6 September 1858 as Pentland Hills, was renamed Myrniong in 1872 and closed in 1970.

[3] Myrniong is known for its many bluestone buildings, including the historic Plough Hotel, established in 1859, and the Anglican church.

Other attractions in the area include Pykes Creek Reservoir, providing water to the market gardens in nearby Bacchus Marsh and Mount Blackwood, an extinct volcano offering panoramic views over the Wombat State Forest.