When people think of the Mornington Peninsula, it’s often the beaches, wineries and coastal villages that come to mind. But for local wildlife photographer and nature advocate Allison Premischook, the region’s greatest beauty is found in the quiet moments unfolding just beyond the walking tracks.
Having called the Peninsula home for the past decade, Allison has spent countless hours observing native wildlife with patience and respect, creating intimate portraits that reveal the character and emotion of the animals that share our backyard.
“I’ve had the privilege of learning about and experiencing some of the incredible wildlife that calls this land home,” Allison says. “Those experiences have inspired my photography and strengthened my connection to the natural world.”
A young eastern grey kangaroo explores Seawinds Gardens before returning to the safety of its mother’s pouch.
One of her favourite images, Arthurs Joey, was captured at Seawinds Gardens and celebrates the curiosity of a young kangaroo venturing further from the safety of its mother’s pouch.
“There is something incredibly special about experiencing wildlife when they are so young,” Allison says. “Watching a joey slowly gain confidence, exploring its surroundings before eventually squeezing back into mum’s pouch, is a reminder of just how remarkable these everyday moments can be.”
Another photograph, Sweet Echidna, was taken at Point Nepean and features a familiar local echidna affectionately known to park rangers as “Dennis”.
“People often don’t realise we’re lucky enough to have short-beaked echidnas living right here on the Mornington Peninsula,” Allison explains. “They’re fascinating animals and completely content in their own little worlds. I was fortunate to capture a brief moment between its search for ants beneath the soil.”
Her third featured image, Black Cockatoo, offers a glimpse into one of the Peninsula’s more memorable visitors.
“It’s not every day you have black cockatoos as neighbours,” she says. “They’re loud, mischievous and can certainly make a mess of the garden, but every visit feels incredibly special. During one of the lockdowns, I watched a female calling to the rest of the flock from the trees outside our home. It was one of those moments that reminds you how extraordinary our local wildlife really is.”
Through her photography, Allison hopes to encourage people to pause, look a little closer and appreciate the remarkable species living alongside us.
Whether it’s a kangaroo at Seawinds Gardens, an echidna foraging at Point Nepean or the unmistakable call of black cockatoos overhead, these encounters remind us that some of the Peninsula’s greatest treasures aren’t found inside galleries or attractions—they’re waiting quietly in our own backyard.
Discover more of Allison Premischook’s wildlife photography:
Website: allisonpremischook.com
Instagram: @allisonpremischook
