The island lies approximately 6 kilometres (4 mi) from the mainland, from which it is separated by Scott Strait.
Geologically, the island is composed of weathered sandstones and dolerites forming a rugged terrain.
The traditional owners of the area are the Uunguu people of the Wunambal language group, whose name for the island is Wuyurru.
[4] Indigenous Australian rock art exists on the cliffs and cave walls around Wary Bay.
[5] The lack of feral predators makes the island an ideal habitat for vulnerable mammal species such as the monjon,[6] the ilangnalya[7] and the northern quoll.