The lighthouse has a focal height of 13.2 metres (43 ft) and has a range of 11 nautical miles (20 km; 13 mi).

Charles Earl hung a lantern on a tree beach at night to provider safer access to the passageways that lead to the Tobermory Harbour.

He was allowed $100 per year for "keeping a light at Tobermoray Harbour.” [2] In 1885 the Department of Marine purchased three plots of land on the west entrance of the Tobermory Harbour at the cost of $18.

That same year, John George and David Currie constructed a wooden tower at the price of $675 on the same port Charles Earl previously hung his lantern on the tree.

[3] Abraham Davis became the keeper of the lighthouse in 1885, replacing Charles Earl (who was only in temporary charge of the light).

Henry was dismissed from the job in 1901 when it was found he was absent as was hiring people to fulfill his duty.

[2] On April 30, 1992, Big Tub Lighthouse became a Recognized Federal Heritage Building for its good aesthetic qualities as a simply detailed, being well known to all mariners in the region and other reasons.