The lighthouse warns approaching vessels of rocks in Bass Strait by emitting a flash of white light every five seconds.

The focal plane of the lightsource and Fresnel lens is situated 52 metres above sea level.

[4] The site is managed by the Victoria Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, while the lighthouse itself is operated by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

This structure was nearly identical to the one at Cape Nelson, as they were both built in the same year, probably from the same set of blueprints.

There was also a duplex wooden structure that served as the residence of the two assistant keepers and their families.