[2] As there are no highways in this region east of the Gateway and Pacific Motorways,[1] Mount Cotton Road often provides the fastest link between the three cities (more so regarding the south-east of Brisbane and north-east of Logan).

[4] As the surrounding region grew and became better-connected, the name spread to some adjoining roads, causing the multi-branched structure of Mount Cotton Rd today.

This was gradually replaced with residential properties, prompting the roadside construction of: the Carbrook Lutheran Cemetery and Church in the 1870s;[5] Capalaba State School in 1880; telephone lines, a community hall, and an avicultural farm in 1935-36;[6] a store and post office in 1948; a Salvation Army hall in 1960;[3] and Capalaba Park Shopping Centre in 1981.

[3] Sections of Mt Cotton Rd have since been identified as dangerous driving areas, due to high incidences of crashes with other cars and wallabies,[7] leading to investigations in recent years.

Significant remaining structures and natural landmarks located along Mount Cotton Road include: The east–west section has no major intersections.