“I just love everything here,” Jeddah-born photographer Mohammed Bajrai says, wearing his passion for his adopted home on his sleeve. “The trees here captured my heart, and the sky feels so close. I’ve been to many places around the world, and Sydney is one of the few that makes me feel this way.”
It’s that desire for a close connection to the natural environment that has led the 23-year-old to his current neighbourhood in North Sydney, following two years spent living in the eastern suburbs between Redfern and Alexandria. As well as boasting lots of surprisingly quiet parks, the now-Sydneysider's new location is close to the water with a strong community vibe. “You feel like you know or have seen everyone in your area,” he says.
“Compared to where I’ve lived in the past, I feel much closer to nature here and see all kinds of birds, which brings me so much joy.” It’s perhaps no surprise, then, that Bajrai’s original dream was to study marine biology by the Great Barrier Reef, before he eventually took up architecture at the University of Sydney.
Now that training, combined with his early travels across Saudi and Africa, informs his landscape and portrait photography. He describes this work as “playful, while always aiming to demonstrate a strong sense of order”, as well as his “love for vast and almost hostile landscapes”.
So, does Sydney’s welcoming nature make it a contender for his permanent base? “The thought of staying anywhere forever scares me, but yes, I could see myself coming back to Sydney again and again in the future,” he says.
Foodie Finds in Sydney
Judging by the number of tips Bajrai generously showers us with, Sydney is teeming with culinary treasures.
First, Mohammed recommends Diana Potts Point, a Korean fusion spot: “Their fried chicken and bulgogi are so good, and they served us delicious Korean twisted doughnuts because we ‘ate really well’.” He then invites us to stop by Bacino Bar North Sydney for Italian coffee and pastries. “It’s a tiny take-out cafe situation, but don’t let that fool you. I usually go for the simple, crispy cheese and tomato Perugino.”
The next stop?
Mr. Wong, a much-loved Cantonese-style restaurant, for its “fried Queensland king prawns and variety of dim sum, all of which I’ve tried," says Mohammed. Jimmy’s Falafel has several locations in the city, and is his go-to after a long day out, although he’d recommend going a bit earlier, “because it gets quite busy and loud in the evenings”.
Finally, if you’re willing to venture beyond the city limits, he says Gyradiko Bexley (for a real taste of Greek gyros) and Shareefs – The Shawarma Social Club (for a taste of the Levant, even though its over 14,000km from Beirut!) are both most definitely worth travelling for.
Markets and Mooching
“I’m not really a market person, but I can appreciate a good one,” Bajrai tells us, before proceeding to share some great tips.
The Northside Produce Market runs on the first and third Saturday of every month, from 8am to mid-day (rain, hail or shine!) and is just a two-minute walk from the new Victoria Cross Metro Station. “I came in pretty late in the day but saw a lot of great-looking produce and homemade pastries there,” he remembers. They had a huge pile of lovely-tasting cherries from a local farm that you could try before picking out as many as you’d like.”
But, it is The Strand Arcade on George Street, that is his go-to spot for a calmer and more relaxed shopping experience, with smaller branches of usually busy shops, such as Aesop and outlets of local fashion brands.
Boutiques and Bargains
Though Bajrai may not feel like he’s a market person, the keen-eye photographer definitely knows his stores.
One that he loves to stop by is Red Eye Records, just across the street from Queen Victoria Building. “I have a bit of a record-buying problem, but this store really helps,” Bajrai says. “They have an amazing collection, ranging from movie soundtracks to old jazz artists, and the people there provide really good customer service.”
Then there’s Song for the Mute in Wynyard “for their shoe collaborations”, Incu in the Central Business District (CBD) for its “unique pieces and accessories”, and the Swedish brand, Nudie Jeans in CBD and Paddington for well- made denim. “They look better with time, so if you like them now, you’ll love them later.” For sunglasses, there’s OnePointSevenFour, also in Paddington, as “they stock some really unique brands”, and the vintage-inspired and locally curated Vampt Vintage Design in Surry Hills for unique interiors, because “their vintage lamps are beautiful”
The Ultimate Itinerary for a Visit to Sydney
The first place Bajrai takes any visitor is Palm Beach.
“I could spend a whole day just watching the boats pass by,” he says. “It’s hands-down my favourite place in Sydney. I’m not sure if it’s ‘Sydney Sydney,’ but I have to include it.” A dream weekday involves driving there early, ideally when the weather’s cloudy and wintery. “I’d recommend around 8am or earlier, when it’s a little misty, and you can taste the salt in the air.”
Next, walk to Dune Café and order an incredible coffee, and maybe something off their all-day breakfast menu.
“Thank me later,” he says. If you’re feeling like a hike, Bajrai recommends going up to Barrenjoey Lighthouse. “In winter, you have less of a chance of being met by a lizard.” Back in the city, he suggests a ferry ride around the harbour. “I usually take one from Circular Quay to Barangaroo and back,” he says.
Then there’s Chowder Bay, a well-loved beach that still has that hidden gem feel.
“What makes it unique is that it’s where a lot of marine research related to the harbour’s marine life is done,” he explains. “Actually, it’s where a large population of white seahorses resides, a protected species that is endemic to Australia and has suffered from pollution in the past. If you’re someone who loves marine life and wants to see it in its natural habitat, then a swim here should be up there on your bucket list.”
And if you do visit, and are on the look out for a delicious spot for dinner, he suggests Ripples Chowder Bay, not only is the food top-notch, its got stunning harbour views.
Finally, Bajrai’s ultimate sunset stop is CAPO PIZZA in Waverton, before moving down to Henry Lawson Reserve, one of the best places to see Sydney Harbour Bridge framing the iconic Opera House below it.
About the double-whammy view of legendary Australian landmarks, Bajrai says “It looks so perfect that you honestly can’t believe it wasn’t intentionally composed.”
Photos by Ahmad Al-Dabagh
Styling by Haini Chahrouk
