Australia is home to plenty of icons – from the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru to the Sydney Opera House and Twelve Apostles. What makes Australia special isn’t just its landmarks, but the people who add colour and beauty to our Great Southern Land, and few do that better than national treasure Ken Done.
The beloved Aussie artist has just launched a new landmark exhibition on the Gold Coast, Ken Done: No Rules, bringing together his most iconic works from the ’80s to today. We chatted to Ken about the Australian destinations that have shaped his brushstrokes, and where he hopes to tick off his bucket list next.
Your art captures Australia in a way that feels instantly joyful. What’s the first place that made you fall in love with the country?
"I was born in Sydney, so from the minute I could open my eyes and look around, I realised how fortunate I am to be here. Today, I live beside Sydney Harbour. We swim in the harbour every day of the year, so there's a constant source of inspiration at my front door."
You’ve painted so many iconic Aussie locations – what's your all-time favourite destination Down Under?
"If I had to name one, it would be the Great Barrier Reef. I've snorkelled all around the world, but nothing compares to the joy of diving underwater here. It's an absolute national treasure and somewhere that needs to be protected."
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Are there any places in Australia that you still think are underrated or overlooked for travel?
"The Outback is pretty spectacular. I've been out to Lake Eyre a couple of times, and it's an amazing experience both when it's dry and when it's full of water."
Where would you like to go next?
"Australia is such a magical place to live – we're all very lucky to share it, and there are lots of places I’d still like to go. Right now, I’d like to head up to Arnhem Land. I've only been once and would like to explore it a bit more. Or Cape York right up towards Thursday Island."
If you do need to recharge or find inspiration for your painting, where do you like to go?
"I live in Middle Harbour, so it's always nice to come around to the main Sydney Harbour. When we’re out on our boat, it’s often the little hidden nooks and crannies of the harbour and the little boat sheds that catch my eye."
Why was HOTA, or the Gold Coast in general, the right home for your newest exhibition?
"Any time you have an exhibition, so much depends on the quality of the space and the people who curate it. I think that they did a fantastic job in HOTA. I'm proud of the fact that they've shown the work in very interesting ways – they've blown up certain parts to cover entire walls while hanging the originals alongside."
Have you visited the Gold Coast much before?
"We love coming to the Gold Coast! We’ve visited plenty of times over the years, and even had a [gallery] there once."
What's your favourite thing to do on the Gold Coast?
"Lie around and do bugger all. I like the main beach at Surfers – it's absolutely classic."
Ken Done: No Rules is on display at HOTA, Home of the Arts, from now to February 15, 2026. Tickets are $27, and you can grab yours here.