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 sold boosting hope for Australia’s Easter Bilby.

The collaboration aims to raise 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 3300 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.

BY.ARTISANS distiller Alexander Bell said: “Burrow & Bloom was designed to reflect the landscapes the Bilby depends on.

“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.

AWC Chief Executive Tim Allard said: “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.

“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 will contributes $48 to AWC to support Bilby conservation and habitat protection across AWC sanctuaries. A maximum of 1000 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.

Burrow & Bloom can be pre-ordered here. Deliveries are expected after 11 April 2026.