The cape was named after George Ward Hunt, First Lord of the Admiralty (1874–1877), by Captain John Moresby.
[2] The waters lying between Cape Ward Hunt and Cape Nelson about 87 miles (140 km) distant are described as being: of the most dangerous character, due to the unsurveyed areas and the numerous coral patches and shoals.
The weather is often thick with passing squalls of rain, and anchorages are rare close to land.
Between coral patches only a few miles apart [half-dozen km], a sounding of several hundred meters [1,600 to 2,500 ft] may be obtained.
315 Radar Station RAAF was located upon Cape Ward Hunt from 12 April 1943 until 4 October 1944 during World War II.