Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary along with Brisbane’s newest craft distillery and lifestyle brand BY.ARTISANS, has launched Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Eucalyptus Gin, a unique creation born from a remarkable collaboration with the world’s oldest and largest koala sanctuary.
This innovative collaboration highlights the natural lifecycle of eucalyptus leaves, turning waste into a luxurious spirit while supporting koala conservation. The partnership celebrates the beauty of Queensland’s natural environment and embodies a shared commitment to sustainability, giving eucalyptus leaves a second life while telling the story of Australia’s iconic koalas.
Each day, eucalyptus leaves are hand-harvested from Lone Pine’s carefully managed plantations before sunrise. The freshest leaves are reserved to nourish the sanctuary’s koalas, while the remaining foliage, once destined for compost, is given a second life. BY.ARTISANS harnesses these leaves in a state-of-the-art still, using botanical vapour infusion to craft a premium gin that captures the essence of Australia’s natural heritage.
"The koala is an iconic species, but their habitat is under constant threat due to urbanisation and deforestation. Eucalyptus is vital for koalas, being their sole source of food. This collaboration with BY.ARTISANS helps raise awareness of the challenges koalas face and supports conservation efforts,” says Lyndon Discombe, Lone Pine’s General Manager.
The Eucalyptus Gin will be available exclusively at BY.ARTISANS’ flagship store in Brisbane's West End, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary’s gift shop and online. In addition, 5% of all proceeds will be donated to registered wildlife charities and research groups focused on koala studies and wildlife conservation, ensuring the protection of these beloved animals and their habitats.
"We wanted to give these eucalyptus leaves a second life and through this collaboration, we’re telling the story of koalas, the importance of eucalyptus as their lifeblood and how something as simple as a leaf can be transformed into something extraordinary,” says Ginn Lai, co-founder of BY.ARTISANS, who conceptualised the project.
"It’s a celebration of this remarkable native botanical while giving back to the community to help safeguard the future of koalas.”
The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Eucalyptus Gin bottle design was created by BY.ARTISANS co-founder Alexander Lotsersztain.
"The bottle honours the sanctuary's legacy with branded colours inspired by nature and the Lone Pine logo. The tactile silicone sleeve continues BY.ARTISANS' tradition of innovative bottle design, offering a unique sensory experience that sets it apart,” Alexander explains.
This unique eucalyptus gin recipe is meticulously crafted by BY.ARTISANS’ master distiller, Alexander Bell, featuring a beautifully balanced profile, complemented by other native botanicals including lemon myrtle and cinnamon myrtle. When creating this gin, Alex wanted people to take the experience of walking through Lone Pine home with them.
"Eucalyptus can be a tricky botanical to use, but balanced with the herbaceous citrus and floral character of the other botanicals, it ties it all together into something that is reminiscent of walking through Lone Pine.
"Beyond the bottle, we’re continuing our dedication to innovation and sustainability by further utilising the essential oils we extract and creating a range of byproducts including soaps and candles, handcrafted at our distillery,” he says.
To purchase Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Eucalyptus Gin online, click here.
