Yan Yean Road begins at the intersection with Diamond Creek Road and Aqueduct Road in Diamond Creek, extending northward through the suburbs of Plenty, Yarrambat and Doreen before terminating in Yan Yean near the Yan Yean Reservoir.

The road, previously a rural road until development in the 2000s, is now an important arterial link between the traditional north-eastern suburbs of Melbourne and new estates in Doreen and Mernda.

It travels through the semi rural communities of Plenty and Yarrambat.

North of the Kurrak Road intersection in Yarrambat, the road narrows to a 2 lane, single carriageway continuing north towards the developing suburb of Doreen.

The upgrade is currently undergoing an EES (Environment Effects Statement) review, and is currently anticipated to begin construction no earlier than 2022.