The highway passes through several of Perth's western suburbs, such as Nedlands, Claremont, Peppermint Grove, Cottesloe and Mosman Park.

In addition, major shopping areas exist at Claremont and Cottesloe, while many smaller businesses and retailers are dotted along the highway.

Stirling Highway initially developed as a rough track linking the new townsites of Perth and Fremantle following the establishment of the Swan River Colony in 1829.

[5] An extension further south from Canning Highway to High Street was opened on 26 November 1985 by the federal and state Ministers for Transport, Peter Morris and Julian Grill.

The project was jointly funded by the state and federal governments and was designed by consulting engineers, Airey, Ryan and Hill for the Main Roads Department, who undertook construction of the highway.