Like so many of us, Damien Newton Brown’s island life began with childhood holidays. But over a lifetime, his love of the island has intensified and taken on a wholly new form: the Furneaux Distillery. It’s a laboratory, a gathering place and an icon among new-generation island businesses. Learn how Damien has taken pure rainwater, local peat and grain, the smoke of a casuarina wood-fire and a deep personal connection… and turned them to liquid gold.

Damien's love of Flinders Island began before he was old enough to know what it would mean to him.

After his parents fell in love with the island on their honeymoon, they bought a small farm at Blue Rocks, where Damien and his brothers spent every summer exploring the coastline, fishing, diving and embracing the simple rhythms of island life. Those childhood adventures sparked a lifelong connection to a place he still considers home.

Over the years, Damien has shared that connection with countless families and friends, many of whom fell in love with the island themselves.

When guests arrive on Flinders for the first time, Damien brings the generosity of someone who has been introducing people to this place for most of his life. His stories are shaped by summers in the water, family time on the coast and a deep affection for the island’s community. For Damien, there is still nothing better than watching someone realise what makes the island special.