[1] The lighthouse was erected in response to a series of shipping disasters in the area, which included the loss of City of York in 1899.

The light source and lantern house were originally to be used at Cape Leeuwin but were then built in on Rottnest Island.

In 1920 the original acetylene flame was replaced by a flasher, which made the keeper superfluous.

Its light is characterised by a group of four flashes that occurs every sixteen seconds.

The original land allocation for the lighthouse and surrounds was reduced in size in 1934.