From its point on the peninsula, it commands almost 360° views of Bass Strait.

The Wilson's Promontory lighthouse is the southernmost lighthouse on mainland Australia, and is approximately 18 kilometres (11 mi) from the nearest town, Tidal River.

[2] The lighthouse protects shipping travelling through Bass Strait.

The lighthouse was constructed with the use of convict labour over a period of approximately seven years starting in 1853 through to completion in 1859.

The lighthouse stands 19 metres (62 ft) tall and along with the keeper's cottage is constructed from local granite.