It is derived from the Kaurna name Pandlotinga, with the 'inga' suffix meaning 'path of water'[3] which is often mispronounced as Panatalinga.

The route was enhanced by partial clearing when a rough service vehicle track was created in the mid-1950s to assist with the laying out of high voltage power poles and lines, which now follow this road reserve for its full length.

This creek crossing was a renowned patch for getting vehicles bogged as the clay soil became very sticky when wet and required careful negotiation.

From there the road widened again and ascended to another high point before falling away to a cement culvert creek crossing for the winter creek that runs alongside the northern boundary of what is now the Thaxted Park Golf Club (then a dairy farm named “Thaxted Park“ by the owners in the 1950s and early 1960s following a belief that a previous owner had called the property ”Thaxted”, possibly after the town of the same name in Essex, England).

Local power lines have been moved underground in preparation of this change, but the project has never been given the 'OK' to go ahead.

For years, community members have requested this extension, but the government refuse to take action, claiming the Southern Expressway provides an adequate diversion for traffic off of Panalatinga Road,[6][7] despite being significantly to the west, and not benefiting most drivers with destinations east of South Road.

The Morphett Vale CFS would also majorly benefit from the extension, as it would reduce travel times to the Onkaparinga Hills, Woodcroft and Reynella, and would save them trying to fight the States Road traffic.

Panalatinga Road is entirely contained within the City of Onkaparinga local government area.