[1][2] The inlet is a wave dominated estuary with a degraded catchment that is a result of substantial clearing and a saline run-off.

It covers a total area of 1.2 square kilometres (297 acres)[3] and the catchment covers a total area of about 10 square kilometres (4 sq mi).

The inlet is separated from the Southern Ocean by a sand bar and typically open once or twice a year for a few weeks at a time, usually between September and January.

The vegetation fringing the inlet include Melaleuca cuticularis, Juncus kraussii, Samolus repens, Gahnia trifida and Baumea juncea.

Other plants found in the surrounding dunes include sand spinifex, sword sedge and berry saltbush, pigface and peppermint trees.