It plays a major role in the servicing of traffic travelling between the Illawarra and Western Sydney, and its eastern end is a constituent part of the A6 route.

It meets New Illawarra Road at Lucas Heights, and eventually terminates at the intersection with Princes Highway in Heathcote.

As its name suggests, the road is generally surrounded by heath, but more often dry eucalyptus woodlands and shrublands with some mallee vegetation.

The road has a history of accidents, due to its narrow nature, the number of blind corners and the steep gradients.

[11] This was completed removed in 1999, with just the eastern end between Lucas Heights and Heathcote re-designated as part of Metroad 6 in its place.