It is located 800 metres (2,600 ft) north of Orpheus Island, and covers an area of about 400 hectares (990 acres).

The island was named after HMS Pelorus, flagship on the Australia Station 1860-62.

[1] On behalf of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, Multiplex designed and constructed a navigation structure and helipad to service the structure.[when?]

Pelorus is surrounded by spectacular fringing reefs that can be accessed by snorkelling right off the beach.

The island is managed by the Hinchinbrook Shire Council, with its fragile environment protected by both state and federal environmental provisions.