The group consists of three islands which were first sighted by Europeans in 1818 on a British navy ship under the command of Phillip Parker King.

The group were part of the subject of a successful aboriginal land claim which was resolved after 40 years in 2018 when the Tiwi people received title.

The tree cover on all islands is reported as reaching heights in range of 18 to 21m Intertidal flora consists of seagrass and “algal beds.”[1]: 5 The intertidal zone around the Vernon Islands is described in one source as “an important coral reef locality” and as a site for turtles and dugongs.

[1]: 2 The first reported sighting of the Vernon Islands by any European individual or group was the crew of the British vessel, HMS Mermaid commanded by Phillip Parker King.

[2] In the twenty first century, the waters adjoining the Vernon Islands have been described by one source as a popular site for both recreational fishing and boating activity.