Hometown Guide: MKO Sun on Brisbane's Magical Places

There is no denying that MKO SUN is one of the most exciting, unique and fresh faces to pop up this year. Although she has been kicking around for a while, it was her most recent releases 'Black Seaweed' and 'Michiko' that really caught our attention with their unpredictability and eccentric flair.

Now, she released her latest EP, and things are looking bright for MKO Sun's future. Having just wrapped up a tour with Katie Noonan,  as well as a string of her own headline shows, it seems there really is no stopping this extremely talented performer and artist.

Because we are just so excited about everything she is doing lately, we got to ask her all about her favourite places from her hometown, Brisbane.

Being a magical lady herself, we found it fitting to ask her all about the magical places she goes to when she's home. Opus Opalus is out now, and we cannot recommend getting your hands on that enough.

Chung Tian Buddhist Temple

I visited the Chung Tian Buddhist Temple on a high-school excursion when I was about fifteen. I remember being overwhelmed by the beauty of the gardens and structures. Everyone spoke quietly and moved calmly and I got a sense of deep peace and of time slowing down within its walls.

Brisbane Planetarium

The planetarium structure itself is one of the coolest buildings I've ever visited - especially by night – even without considering what goes on inside it. Every night they show intergalactic feature films followed by tours of Brisbane's night sky which is recreated in the Cosmic Skydome.

St Helena Island

Now a certified National Park, Queensland's most historic island is located 4km from the mouth of the Brisbane River and for more than 60 years was home to hundreds of society’s outcasts, for here stood colonial Queensland’s foremost maximum security prison for men. I went on a night tour of the island with my family when I was about twelve and the re-enactments of prisoner's deaths in the old cemetery was enough to give me the heebie jeebies.

Toowoomba Japanese Garden (Ju Raku En)

I'm taking a bit of locative liberty including this Toowoomba destination in my Brisbane list... but I couldn't help myself. This one had to go on the list. Its elements of mountain stream and waterfall, Dry Garden, central lake, Azalea Hill, three kilometres of paths, 230 species of Japanese and Australian native trees and plants, and lawns combine in a seamless and restful harmony. The gardens were painstakingly designed by Professor Kinsaku Nakane of Kyoto. Roughly translated, Ju Raku En means to enjoy peace and longevity in a public place.

Spring Hill Baths

Built in 1886, the bathhouse was Brisbane's first in-ground pool. It showcases old world charm with classic changing rooms and grandstand seating – and ridiculous signage such as “Ladies Only This Side”, etc. Every time I go here to swim I feel like I'm stepping back in time into a vintage movie. It helps make the whole exercising experience that little bit less tedious.

Words by Emma Jones.

CHECK OUT MORE HOMETOWN GUIDES HERE

SEE ALSO

WATCH: MKO SUN 'MICHIKO' (OFFICIAL VIDEO)