Greater Bilby at Scotia.
© Wayne Lawler
This Easter, raise a glass and boost hope for Australia’s very own Easter Bilby. Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) has teamed up with Brisbane-based craft distillery BY.ARTISANS to create a limited-edition gin called ‘Burrow & Bloom’, with each bottle supporting AWC’s conservation work through a per-bottle contribution.
The unique and innovative collaboration raises awareness for the pink-eared and pointed-snout Greater Bilby which has suffered population declines since colonisation and the introduction of feral cats, the primary driver of native mammal extinctions and ongoing declines in Australia.
While once found across the country, there is now only an estimated 10,000 Bilbies remaining in Australia, with around 3,300 individuals living inside six of AWC’s feral predator-free sanctuaries in NSW, WA, SA and Central Australia. AWC protects the largest collective population of Bilbies in the world, a responsibility made even more poignant given the extinction of the Lesser Bilby last century.
“Burrow & Bloom was designed to reflect the landscapes the Bilby depends on,” said Alexander Bell from BY.ARTISANS. “We’ve used a foundation of classic gin structure, layered with native desert botanicals like roasted wattleseed, saltbush, desert lime and lemon myrtle, to evoke arid soils, dry air and nocturnal foraging. A gentle rose infusion softens the profile as a subtle nod to Easter, without losing the austerity of the desert.”
“The result is a dry, savoury, distinctly Australian gin that tells a story of place while directly supporting conservation.”
Bilbies are true desert specialists, spending their nights digging and foraging across Australia’s vast arid and semi-arid landscapes. These same landscapes have inspired several of the native botanicals chosen for this gin. Saltbush and wattleseed are icons of inland shrublands, while desert lime and native desert herbs bring flavours shaped by sun-baked soils and big outback skies. These are plants that thrive where rainfall is scarce, temperatures soar, and Bilbies dig their remarkable spiral burrows.
With every sip, you’re enjoying a small taste of Bilby country, and helping support the conservation of the unique landscapes and native wildlife that make Australia’s deserts so extraordinary.
“Australia faces a significant challenge to restore our native species and landscapes and this challenge requires partnership across the spectrum of business, government, First Nations communities and the conservation sector to build scale and engagement from the public,” said Tim Allard, AWC Chief Executive. “The Bilby is a special Australian species that brings joy to many, particularly during the Easter period. We’re delighted to have the opportunity to celebrate this native species and highlight the value of Australia’s Easter Bilby.”
Each bottle sold contributes $48 to AWC to support Bilby conservation and habitat protection across AWC sanctuaries. A maximum of 1,000 bottles of Burrow & Bloom will be produced, at full release, equating to $48,000 in sponsorship support for AWC, and the protection and management of wildlife sanctuaries across Australia.
Help the Bilby population bloom this Easter by pre-ordering a bottle of Burrow & Bloom via BY.ARTISANS’ website, here. Deliveries are expected after 11 April 2026. More information on AWC’s work with the Bilby, here.
Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) is a pragmatic, on-ground global conservation leader, conserving landscapes and providing hope for Australian wildlife. Informed by science, we deliver measurable conservation impact at scale to secure the future of our most endangered species and their habitats, including restoring degraded landscapes where necessary.
BY.ARTISANS is a Brisbane-based craft distillery located in West End, Queensland, known for its small-batch spirits, native Australian botanicals and sustainability-led approach to production. Founded on principles of collaboration and low-waste distillation, BY.ARTISANS creates premium spirits and immersive experiences that celebrate place, process and storytelling, while supporting conservation and community initiatives across Australia.”
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