It is part of the Sloping Island Group, lying close to the south-eastern coast of Tasmania around the Tasman and Forestier Peninsulas.

[1] Much of the island's original vegetation has been destroyed by clearing and burning, though there are remnant stands of allocasuarinas and eucalypts.

[1] Details of the fauna and flora of the island can be found in this article by Bush Heritage Australia from 2010.

[4] Captain James Kelly applied to the government in 1841 for a lease for three acres of land on the island to operate a bay whaling station.

[5] On 15 June 1863 King George Island was put to public auction through a large sale of crown land, with offers over £54 considered.