[1] The cape is situated in the southern and south-eastern corner of the Southwest National Park, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, approximately 94 kilometres (58 mi) southwest of Hobart in Tasmania and about 65 kilometres (40 mi) east and slightly south of South West Cape.

South East Cape marks the official dividing line between the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

The state of Tasmania also includes Macquarie Island, which is about 1,600 km SE of South East Cape.

The cape is also a reference point for sectors of the southern coastline of Tasmania.

[3] Much sea traffic passes near it, and many ships and boats have been wrecked or grounded there.