Before developing into the suburb we know today, Browns Bay was a well-known seaside resort established by the family that gave the bay its name.
Holidaymakers were regularly travelling by steamer to the bay to enjoy picnics and games on the beach.
Peter and Mary Brown initially provided tourist accommodation at their residence, later offering visitors the opportunity to purchase their own slice of Browns Bay paradise.
In 1916 the Browns subdivided their property into residential sites and over the coming years baches grew upon the landscape.