Unlike other lighthouses, the Nelson Head Light has no tower, but was shown through the window of the lantern room, and later mounted outside.

The light was installed in an octagonal lantern room attached to the house, and shown through a 3 metres (9.8 ft) window.

Since 1986, the house has been preserved and maintained by the Nelson Head Lighthouse and Rescue Station Trust.

The house is now managed by Marine Rescue NSW, under the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol, and serves as a maritime museum.

The house is accessible by road from Nelson Bay and is open daily to visitors.