Meet Mark & Nicole

Founders of Fire Tonic™, Mark and Nicole run this tight-knit family business alongside their four boys. In late 2011, seeking better life balance and well-being, they relocated to Torquay on Victoria's stunning Surfcoast.

Their health-first philosophy led them to experiment with raw cultured foods and elixirs—or as Mark calls it, catching the "healthy gut bug." Guided by the mantra "let food be thy medicine," they discovered an ancient formula used by Hippocrates 2,500 years ago and began their own culinary experiments.

What started as playing with an ACV tincture evolved into a life-affirming, punchy tonic that seemed to "bulletproof" their family. Friends and loved ones took notice, and soon requests came pouring in for them to share their creation.

This folk remedy rooted in 2,500 years of "Food As Medicine" philosophy, has been refined to near perfection. Whether you're seeking immune support, soothing a sore throat, aiding digestion, managing weight, regulating blood sugar, or detoxifying your body, Fire Tonic™ delivers.

In 2014, they began handcrafting this herbal infusion for commercial sale under the name Hilbilby, a nickname a late friend gave Mark. As they say, the rest is history. Those early years saw their hallway brimming with demijohns and pails of Fire Tonic™. Today, they operate from Hilbilby HQ and are widely known simply by the name of their famous daily tonic.

Their Philosophy

Mark and Nicole keep wellbeing simple, sticking to what works: a balanced life spent outdoors and staying active. "We appreciate what the natural world has freely supplied us—the ocean, the bush, our friends, family, and pets. We approach everything in moderation, including moderation. We believe in sharing the love and empowering others to live a HOME FREE life."