About Banubanu
Our History
Banubanu Beach Retreat is a remote eco escape on Dhambaliya (Bremer Island), just off the coast of Nhulunbuy in East Arnhem Land.
1983, Trevor was working for the Aboriginal Area Protection Authority surveying sacred sites and was part of a team that classified Bremer Island as a protected zone. the island stayed in his heart.
Helen, an Arrernte woman met Trevor in 2000 and their Banubanu dream began in 2003 while operating a fishing charter business. Trevor would anchor his boat in the sheltered bay for lunch onboard. Eventually Trevor approached the custodians of Bremer Island and the Traditional Owners of Bremer Island who remembered him from earlier days and granted him permission for the development of Banubanu Beach Retreat.
A Permit Fee from guests is paid to the custodians and Traditional Owners to this day.
A large outcrop of rocks on the northern tip of the island, is named Banubanu by the Yolngu.
Whilst Trevor and Helen have always had an excellent relationship with respect for the Traditional Owners, it wasn’t until 2014, the a land use agreement was formalised with the Northern Land Council (NLC).
This allowed the Retreat to move from humble beginnings to a world class eco-resort.
There now is a restaurant, bar and plunge pool overlooking the western bay plus 6 beachfront bungalows, an elevated bungalow perched high on the top of the sand dunes.
Eileen and Fulvio, took ownership of Banubanu in March 2025.
Guided by a deep respect for the land, sea, and Yolŋu culture, Eileen and Fulvio are passionate about creating East Arnhem Land’s most memorable island dining experience—where fresh local flavours, genuine service, and natural beauty come together in harmony.
Banubanu is more than a retreat—it’s a celebration of connection, culture, and the spirit of the Top End.
Big Plans Ahead in 2026:
- New extended deck in front of our restaurant
- Pizza oven
- Up to 7 new luxury Penthouse suites
- Upgrade of our power and solar systems
- New storage and laundry facilities
Region History
Our deep local history
Known to the Yolŋu people as Dhambaliya, Bremer Island lies just off the coast of Nhulunbuy in East Arnhem Land and forms part of the traditional sea country of the Rirratjingu clan. For countless generations, Yolŋu families have cared for this land and sea, maintaining deep spiritual and cultural connections through story, ceremony, and songline.
Once a thriving trade route...
Long before European explorers arrived, Dhambaliya was part of a thriving trade route between the Yolŋu and visiting Macassan fishermen from Sulawesi, Indonesia. For hundreds of years, the Macassans sailed south each wet season on the monsoon winds to harvest and process trepang (sea cucumber), a delicacy highly valued in Chinese markets. They camped along the Arnhem Land coast — including areas near Bremer Island — building smokehouses, sharing metal tools and cloth, and trading with local clans.
Mutual respect, and exchange
These encounters were built on mutual respect and exchange, leaving a lasting legacy in Yolŋu art, language, and stories. Rock art and stone arrangements still depict Macassan praus (boats) and trepang boiling sites, telling of a time when cultures met across the sea.
European arrival
European mapping of the area began in the early 1800s when Matthew Flinders charted the coastline during his voyage around Australia. Initially labelled part of the “Melville Isles,” the island was officially renamed Bremer Island in 1934 in honour of Sir James John Gordon Bremer, a British naval officer.
Preserving stories and traditions
Today, the small Yolŋu community of Gutjangan continues to call the island home, preserving the stories and traditions of their ancestors. Bremer’s beaches remain important nesting grounds for sea turtles, while the surrounding waters and skies hold deep cultural and ecological significance.
Sharing the island's beauty and history
Banubanu Beach Retreat operates with the blessing of the traditional owners, sharing the island’s beauty and history with guests who come to experience the spirit of Dhambaliya — where ancient culture, Macassan trade, and timeless sea country meet.
The meaning of Banubanu
Stay up to date
Find out what we’re up to on the island! This includes how we’re progressing with our improvements and any special events or promotions we are running! Although we primarily communicate these via our socials, you can also come here to check in with what’s happening!
