About the Lodge:

The safari style Lodge accommodation is raised, ensuring minimal impact on the environment, fully air-conditioned with ensuite facilities, mini bar fridge and tea and coffee making facilities. Each room boasts a private deck area with stunning water views.

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History of Groote Archipelago:

The Archipelago includes Groote Eylandt, Bickerton Island , and numerous smaller islands. Groote Eylandt itself is the third largest Australian island with an area of 2,687 sq km.

Named "Great Island" by the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman in 1644, and prior to the 1920's Anindilyakwa people traded with the Macassan fisherman of Indonesia .

In 1921 the Church Missionary Society (CMS) established a mission at Emerald River which was later relocated to and renamed Angurugu Community. In the 1930's Umbakumba Community was established by Fred Gray and later run by CMS.

For a period in 1938 QANTAS operated a flying base near Umbakumba which was later used by the RAAF during World War II. In the 1960's Manganese was discovered on Groote Eylandt by BHP. Mining still takes place on the island today.

Bickerton Island is situated west of Groote Eylandt and was developed from an outstation to a community with housing, water and other facilities in the 1980's.

There are 14 clan groups divided into two moieties and they are bound to each other by a strict marriage and kinship system. The people are generally referred to by the language that they speak being Anindilyakwa. The Anindilyakwa people still practice long established customs and rituals, harvest bush tucker and medicines.

Natural Features:

Groote is in an enviable position in the context of the Territory's, Australia 's and indeed the world's natural environment. The area is relatively bio-diverse with over 40 mammals, 70 reptiles, 15 amphibians and over 200 bird species. Included in this group are some rare and endangered species such as the northern quoll, brush-tailed rabbit rat, northern hopping mouse and several species of marine turtle. Whilst this an impressive list of endemic wildlife, of more significance is the absence of feral animals on the island, including pigs, buffalo, foxes, horses, cattle, goats and cane toads.

Surrounding the island is a marine environment with fabulous reef systems and rich, indigenous, and recreational fisheries. Having all these qualities in a single place is rare in the context of contemporary Australia and truly makes Groote Eylandt a unique and highly valuable location in terms of environmental values. Groote Eylandt archipelago is the Aboriginal freehold property of Local Traditional Owners. A permit system exists to protect the areas significant cultural and natural values.

Information supplied by GEBIE and Land Management ALC.

Cultural Tours:

Cultural Tours are being developed with Traditional Owners on Groote Eylandt and will be available to guests visiting the Lodge to combine with their sportfishing package. The Cultural Centre at the Resort will display a range of the unique local art and craft and provide guests with the opportunity to learn more about the history of Groote Eylandt and the Anindilyakwa people.