It runs north–south in a straight line from the eastern edge of the CBD to the south-eastern suburbs of the city.

Its northern beginning is at the intersection of Payneham and Magill Roads,[3] the site of the former Maid and Magpie Hotel.

The section of Fullarton Road south of Greenhill Road (at least, perhaps from South Terrace) was once designated Brownhill Creek Road[4] and was more directly connected to the present-day remainder of Brownhill Creek Road which runs beside Brown Hill Creek (Willawilla) in Mitcham and Brown Hill Creek locality.

The temporary Adelaide Street Circuit racetrack includes a portion of Fullarton Road.

Since 1985, a partial road closure has occurred most years to open the racetrack for motorsport events.