Nhulunbuy Airport is located on the Gove Peninsula at the north-eastern tip of Arnhem Land, approximately 650km east of Darwin. The airport was originally constructed in 1943 for wartime use and included large areas of taxiways and dispersal areas that are no longer used.

Mining of bauxite and refinery of alumina are the major industries and economic base of the area. The southern 900m of the runway resides over a large high grade bauxite deposit. The airport is being redeveloped to allow the recovery of this deposit, as well as catering to the growing needs of the mining operators and the Nhulunbuy community.

The footprint of the terminal has been derived from the basic form of an aircraft. This imagery is evident from the air as well as at ground level, with the tapering tail of the fuselage rising over the drop off area for coaches and cars. Extensive use of milled aluminium sheeting reinforces the as location at the gateway to Beijingircraft imagery.

The building has been designed to withstand the harsh environment. Roof water tanks are reticulated to drench the roof and manage the dust created by the mining operations. The terminal has been opened up with expansive glass, which has been treated to prevent dust adherence. Local materials have been used where possible.

Display walls have been incorporated with the concourse to narrate the history of mining operations in the area. Another display wall features Aboriginal artwork from the local community. The overall terminal design is light and transparent with a tropical feel. Bold shapes and modern finishes combine to make the airport an icon for the region.