Banubanu
Beach Retreat
Eco Island and Beach Retreat, NT
Banubanu Beach Retreat is your luxury island escape from the pace and concerns of the modern world.
Situated on the northernmost tip of beautiful Bremer Island, Banubanu Beach Retreat offers stunning, uncompromised views of pristine beaches, natural landscapes, and the alluring Arafura Sea.
Banubanu Beach Retreat is a peaceful sanctuary offering our valued guests the luxuries of space, time, and solitude. Our unique accommodation provides a “glamping” experience like no other. From our deluxe beachfront bungalows to our exclusive, elevated penthouse, you will be immersed in the natural splendour of our tropical island while retaining access to modern day comforts. In addition to luxury lodgings, our guests will be treated to unforgettable dining experiences in our restaurant, provided a scenic picnic lunch, and given the opportunity to encounter nesting sea turtles on our stunning beaches.
For full package inclusions please see our package options below.
Hear what our past
guests have to say
The Perfect Location
Absolutely heavenly! My husband and I spent the weekend at Banubanu resort and had the best time. The beach is just beautiful and you’re able to swim in the water (just being aware of your surroundings at all times). There’s a great selection of things to keep you entertained from snorkelling, kayaking, swimming and then walking to a few lookout spots around the retreat. The restaurant was top quality food, honestly the best food we’ve had in the Territory! Hats off to Andrew for also being able to provide gluten free options for every meal! Ruth, our waitress, was just incredible too. She was so attentive to our needs but never imposing. The accom was more than comfortable and quite private. The view is just stunning - we just loved waking up to the ocean every morning. I cannot recommend Banubanu enough. This is the perfect location - whether it’s just popping in for lunch on a boat trip for the day, having a romantic getaway or even a wedding, you cannot find anywhere better! And visiting Banubanu supports the local community too, I do recommend you!!
Spectacular Beachfront
My husband and I stayed at this beautiful beach retreat on Bremer Island in April 2021. Our accommodation was in a spectacular beachfront bungalow on the Western Cove, literally a few meters to the beach. Our bungalow included a very comfortable bed, ensuite and lounge area as well as a deck which over looked the beach. The owners/hosts were very accommodating, friendly, and always on hand to satisfy our needs. The food was amazing. The atmosphere was all about rest and relaxation while soaking in the view. We can highly recommend this holiday Retreat to anyone. There was absolutely nothing we did not like about our whole experience.
Featured Packages
There’s plenty to do during your stay at Banubanu. Go on a tour of Bremer Island or just chill out on the beach with a good book. The choice is yours!
Arnhem Dry Promotion for the 2024 Season
We are excited to introduce a special promotion for the 2024 season, offering a 20% discount on all-inclusive packages at Banubanu Beach Retreat. This exclusive offer includes serene beach days, sunset views over the Arafura Sea, and complimentary cocktails each evening during your stay. Book your retreat stay between April and August 2024, using promo code ARNHEMDRY to enjoy this discount. Terms and Conditions apply.
Explore the Island's Natural Wonders
Opened in 2005, Banubanu is run in partnership with the local Yolgnu people, on whose ancestral land the retreat is located. This proximity to one of the world’s oldest continuing cultures means that guests are afforded the opportunity to encounter some truly unforgettable and culturally rich moments during their stay.
There is an abundance of wildlife local to Bremer Island, including whales, 65 species of bird, and a variety of sea turtles which nest on the beaches of Banubanu Retreat. Guests are encouraged to explore the island’s natural wonders via walking trails, beach excursions, and by making use of the supplied kayaks and snorkelling gear.
Immerse Yourself in the Natural Splendour
Situated on the northern most tip of beautiful Bremer Island, Banubanu Beach Retreat offers stunning, uncompromised views of pristine beaches, natural landscapes, and the alluring Arafura Sea.
Banubanu Beach Retreat is a peaceful sanctuary offering our valued guests the luxuries of space, time, and solitude. Our unique accommodation provides a “glamping” experience like no other. From our deluxe beachfront bungalows to our exclusive, elevated penthouse, you will be immersed in the natural splendour of our tropical island while retaining access to modern day comforts. In addition to luxury lodgings, our guests will be treated to unforgettable dining experiences in our restaurant, provided a scenic picnic lunch, and given the opportunity to encounter nesting sea turtles on our stunning beaches. For full package inclusions please see our package options below.
Discover Our Wildlife
Opened in 2005, Banubanu is run in partnership with the local Yolgnu people, on whose ancestral land the retreat is located. This proximity to one of the world’s oldest continuing cultures means that guests are afforded the opportunity to encounter some truly unforgettable and culturally rich moments during their stay.
There is an abundance of wildlife local to Bremer Island, including whales, 65 species of bird, and a variety of sea turtles which nest on the beaches of Banubanu Retreat. Guests are encouraged to explore the island’s natural wonders via walking trails, beach excursions, and by making use of the supplied kayaks and snorkelling gear.
Our Commitment to Sustainable Living
One of our core values at Banubanu is a commitment to sustainable living. Our beach retreat was built in partnership with the local Yolgnu people of East Arnhem Land, some of whom continue to live on their ancestral home of Bremer Island. The island itself remains largely untouched by industry, unspoilt by pollution, and unrivalled for natural beauty. As such, Banubanu is designed to have minimal impact on the local environment.
The retreat runs on 100% solar power, utilises bore water as its main water supply, and promotes water wise practices, making Banubanu Beach Retreat an eco-friendly, environmentally conscious holiday destination.
So for those looking to “get off the grid,” our beach retreat is the perfect place to experience the sun, sand, and clear waters of a tropical island getaway whilst being environmentally responsible.
To further reduce our impact on the local environment, capacity at Banubanu is capped at a maximum of 12 guests at any one time, meaning that you can expect to enjoy all that the island has to offer with a peace and privacy which is hard to come by in today’s world.
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About the Island
Known as “Dhambaliya” by the local Yolgnu people, the traditional and current custodians of the island, Bremer Island has a rich and complex history that extends far back into ancient times. Located just off the northeast corner of Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Bremer Island was a significant site of historic trading. The Arafura Sea, which surrounds Bremer Island and extends north to Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, saw extensive trading and exploration by Indonesians, Indigenous Australians and Torres Strait Islanders, and later Europeans and others.
Much of the trading occurring on Bremer Island was related to the harvesting of sea cucumbers, Trepang in Indonesian. Trepangers (those who harvested sea cucumbers) from the Indonesian port of Makassar visited Bremer Island frequently, trading with, employing, and otherwise interacting with the Indigenous inhabitants. These Macassan traders were the ones to name the site of our current retreat. Banu meaning “woman,” and Banu Banu meaning “women,” in reference to the large rocky outcrops at the northern tip of Bremer Island. This same landmark forms part of the unforgettable view from our beautiful beach retreat.
About the Island
Brimming with natural splendour and delight, Bremer Island is home to 65 different species of birdlife, which can be viewed intimately from our diverse walking trails. Four species of sea turtle nest and lay their eggs in the sands of our beaches, with evening turtle encounters included as a part of your stay. Alongside the abundant wildlife, the breathtaking scenery and secluded beaches afford our guests front row seats to awe-inspiring sunrises, sunsets, and the occasional electrical storm.
Bremer Island is just a short 15 minute flight from Gove Airport in Nhulunbuy, East Arnhem Land. Nhulunbuy is just an hour’s flight from Darwin, and an hour and twenty minutes’ flight from Cairns. Guests with their own boat or light aircraft (including helicopters) are welcome to make their own way to Banubanu upon arrangement with us. However, return trips from Nhulunbuy are included in all package stays.
Bremer Island Tours
There's so much to do at Banubanu.
Things to do on Bremer Island
There’s plenty to do during your stay at Banubanu. Go on a tour of Bremer Island or just chill out on the beach with a good book. The choice is yours!
Fishing Charters
A premier activity here, truly world class fishing with a myriad of species including Spanish Mackerel, Coral Trout and other prized blue water and reef fish in the waters surrounding the Gove Peninsula in North East Arnhem Land. Full day fishing charters are available. Beach fishing can be an option. For more information and pricing, please see our Fishing Tours.
Just Chilling Out
Enjoy and experience the total bliss of the remote solitude and clear skies that Banubanu has to offer. The owner’s original vision for Banubanu was to create a holiday destination where guests could take time out from their busy lives and recharge their minds, bodies and souls. So just sit back, relax and enjoy the peaceful surrounds and settings of beautiful East Arnhem Land. We have a library available with an array of Arnhem Land and Macassan history books for you to enjoy while staying at the Retreat.
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