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In a remote north eastern corner of Arnhem Land, surrounded by the turquoise beauty of the Arafura Sea is a secret - Banubanu Eco Wilderness Retreat. On the northern tip of Bremer Island - a registered Sacred Site - this rustic hideaway draws lovers and wanderers and fishermen from afar... travellers seeking romance, relaxation or respite from busy lives, noisy towns and bustling cities.
Immerse yourself
Go on, immerse yourself in the tranquil delight of a castaway island, surrounded by pristine waters teeming with fish and aquatic life. A unique tropical paradise of deserted white sandy beaches and clear waters, Banubanu is a haven for green turtles and sea birds that feed from the abundant bounty in the surrounding waters. By moonlight watch turtle hatchlings emerge from underground nursery chambers and flip their way down cool sands to plunge into the sea. By day wander along deserted beaches, go snorkelling in warm tropical waters, enjoy birdwatching, or fish from rocks or boat. Explore the island by 4WD and visit the Yolngu people at Gutjangen and learn how to make a fishing spear to hunt fish and crabs. Or go hunting and gathering with the women and watch them paint shells and other artifacts according to indigenous traditions.
Fishing
Fishing around Bremer Island near Gove Peninsula is extraordinary. Marlin, Sailfish and migrating Pelagics like Spanish Mackerel and Tuna abound in the waters where the Gulf of Carpentaria meets the Arafura Sea. Numerous local reefs are home to other prize Pelagics, Trevally and Queenfish and to scores of other tropical reef species including those fabulous fish for the table, the Red Emperor, Jewfish and the delicious Coral Trout.
Fully catered
You will relish the gourmet talents of your Banubanu hosts Trevor and Helen, who are renowned for their culinary expertise creating wonderfully healthy food from the freshest produce. Tantalise your tastebuds with a seafood larder constantly replenished by the sea, just hours before. While alcoholic beverages are generally not permitted on Aboriginal lands, the Retreat has a liquour licence with a selection of wine, beer & spirits available.
Accommodation
The ecological footprint on this sacred land is small, and privacy and exclusivity are ensured. Couples can choose from 6 Deluxe safari tents right on the beach with ensuites and hot water. Choose from KS beds or King singles. Power is provided naturally - by wind and sun. You can also book the retreat exclusively - your own private hideaway!
Driftwood Cafe
A covered dining and seating area provides protection from the elements and is cooled by overhead fans. Much of the furniture, fittings and decor are fashioned from driftwood and items discovered by beachcombers. There is a well stocked mini-bar for your convenience.
Sunset Deck
Enjoy magnificent views and ocean breezes from the Sunset Deck, a covered deck overlooking the western bay. Indulge yourself with morning coffee, or drinks and snacks at sunset before a delicious Banu dinner.
Getting There
To Gove by Air
Gove Airport has a regular weekday connection to and from Darwin (650 km) operated by Air North. There is also a flight out of Gove on Saturdays and a flight into Gove on Sundays.
Darwin
7:15 pm 08:55 pm AIRNORTH 418: S M T W T F - DRW-GOV
8:20 am 10:00 am AIRNORTH 411: - M T W T F S GOV-DRWTo Banubanu from Gove (options)
- During the dry season, we pick up and deliver guests in MV Nomad from Wirrwawuy Beach in Nhulunbuy and from other points during the remainder of the year according to the prevalent conditions. The trip takes around an hour depending on winds and tides. Maximum 10 persons.
- We will arrange a larger charter vessel for groups larger than 10 persons.
- We can arrange a 15 minute charter flight in a light aircraft from Gove Airport to the Bremer Island airstrip OR in a helicopter that lands at the Retreat. There may be weight and volume restrictions on baggage on these flights.
- Guests with their own boats are welcome to arrive at either of our beaches under their own steam (or sail).
- Guests with their own light aircraft can land on the Bremer Island Airstrip.
- Driving to East Arnhem Land - Driving to Nhulunbuy is not for the faint hearted. The town is connected by the Central Arnhem Road to the Stuart Highway just south of Katherine. This 650km gravel road is intersected by several rivers and is usually closed during the wet season December to April or longer.
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Special Offers
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4 day Ultimate Island Experience: Package includes safari bungalow accommodation in the Deluxe Hideaway Cabin, meals, permit fees, light aircraft transfers and daily-guided activities.
3 day Island Chillout: Package includes safari bungalow accommodation in the Beach Cabin, meals, permit fees, light aircraft transfers. Activities can be purchased on-site.
4 day Ultimate Fishing Adventure: Package includes tent accommodation, meals, permit fees, light aircraft transfers and 3 days fishing.
Free bottle of champagne on arrival when booking through lovenests.com.au
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Facilities
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KS Bed
Twin King Singles
6x Deluxe Safari Tents
Ensuite
Hot Water
Solar & wind power
HD TV/DVD/CD
sound dock
fishing rods & tackle
linen & towels
Private deck
Fans
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Services
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Island tours
Charter fishing
Gourmet meals
No internet or phone coverage
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included in tariff
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Local Attractions
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Deserted beaches
Yolngu cultural tours
Exploring marine life
Snorkelling/swimming
Outstanding food
Fabulous fishing
Turtle hatching
Bird watching
Island boat cruise
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Add Review
A unique & beautiful retreat. Really enjoyed Helen & Trevor’s wonderful hospitality. Spiritually refreshing in every sense. Marrkapmirri Munda Thank You!
Yirrkala, NT
Ever wondered what it would be like to have your own private island? This superb eco-lodge accommodation nestled in a stand of trees on the northern tip of idyllic Bremer Island enables you to do just that. Spend your days wandering deserted white sand beaches and swimming in clear turquoise waters, your evenings enjoying sublime sunsets, and your nights marvelling at 5-star cuisine served in a mesmeric beach-hut setting... Trevor and Helen proved the perfect hosts, attentive yet discreet. Highly recommended, but get in now before word gets out. This could become one of Australia’s most sought-after getaways.
Perth, WA
Sometimes you need to drop out, to get away from the stress, the crowds, the complexities of modern life. The perfect antidote is at hand: Banubanu Wilderness Retreat.
Travel Writer, DailyLife
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