It grew and developed as a goldfield settlement and logging locality, though today mostly consists of small farms and wineries. The name is a corruption of the Djadjawurrung word "Munndorong" meaning large black cicada.[4]
Mandurang Primary School was opened in 1877 and closed in 1994.
According to Victorian Municipal Directory 1976:
Post and telephone office, State school, two churches. Overlooked by "One Tree Hill", from which an extensive picturesque view is obtained. Rail to Bendigo, thence 8 km. Postcode 3551.[5]
