Bardwell Valley is a primarily residential area. Some beautiful sandstone cottages from the early 20th century still stand in East Street and The Glen Road. Bardwell Creek runs through the middle of the valley and empties into Wolli Creek.
History
Prior to European settlement, Bardwell Valley was a significant part of the lands of the Cadigal people. Bardwell Valley was originally the name used to describe the land beside Bardwell Creek in the suburb of Bardwell Park. The suburb was formed in 1996 from parts of Arncliffe that bordered the valley and creek.
Bardwell Park was named after free settler Thomas Hill Bardwell who owned land in this area. Thomas Hill Bardwell was a wealthy pastoralist from southern New South Wales who bought the land in December 1853.[2]
In 2002, the City of Rockdale established an olive grove in Silver Jubilee Park, commemorating the contribution of the Australian Greek community in the development of the City of Rockdale.[3]
Population
According to the 2021 census of population, there were 2,344 residents in Bardwell Valley. 62.9% of people were born in Australia. The next most common country of birth was Lebanon at 5.7%. 52.6% of people only spoke English at home. Other languages spoken at home included Arabic 15.4% and Greek 6.7%. The most common responses for religious affiliation were No Religion 23.0%, Catholic 20.9%, Islam 18.7% and Eastern Orthodox 15.5%.[1]
Parks and recreation
Bardwell Valley Golf Course sits beside the banks of Bardwell Creek. The Bardwell Valley Golf Club is located in Hillcrest Avenue. Silver Jubilee Park is located beside the golf course on Lorraine Avenue. Coolibah Reserve, Shepherd Reserve and Favell Picnic Area sit beside Bardwell Creek.
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