Was it fate or pure luck that carved Burwood from a humble farm into the vibrant suburb we see today? Burwood is located in the Inner West of Sydney. It is not just a place on the map. It’s a dynamic blend of history, culture, and community.
Back in 1799, Captain Thomas Rowley received a land grant. He named his property Burwood Farm after Burwood Park in England. The estate grew to 750 acres. It stretched from Parramatta Road to Croydon railway station. Rowley raised merino sheep here.
In 1814, Burwood Villa was built. This marked the start of Burwood. A stagecoach began running between Sydney and Parramatta. Burwood became a key stop. Dr John Dulhunty, a former naval surgeon, became a prominent resident. He bravely fought off bushrangers at his house, Burwood House. His son, Robert Dulhunty, founded Dubbo.
The 1830s saw subdivisions that boosted Burwood’s growth. By 1855, the railway arrived. Burwood was one of the first six stops on the Sydney-to-Parramatta line. The railway brought a population boom. In 1874, Burwood officially became a municipality.
Burwood flourished in the 1900s. Its easy access to Sydney’s CBD made it popular. Grand homes, commercial areas, and local services sprang up. Post-war Burwood became more densely populated and multicultural. By the 1980s, it was known for its bustling, diverse shopping scene. Burwood’s transport infrastructure continued to improve. This solidified its role as a central Inner West suburb.
Look around you. Burwood boasts architecture from the Victorian and Federation eras. St Paul’s Anglican Church is a prime example. Colonial architect Edmund Blacket designed it in 1871. Sir Donald Bradman and Jessie Menzies married here in 1932. The church and its pipe organ are on the NSW State Heritage Register.
Nearby, Woodstock stands in Church Street. Edwin Penfold, a tobacco manufacturer, built it in the early 1870s. The army took it over in the 1940s. Later, it became the Broughton Migrant Hostel. The council bought it in 1974. Today, it serves as a community center.
Further down Burwood Road sits The Priory. Councillor Mowbray Forrest built it in 1877. Gayton, built in 1888, belonged to NSW parliamentarian Richard Jones. St Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church on Railway Parade was once a Methodist church. It was built in 1879.
Don’t miss The Appian Way. This model housing estate was conceived by George Hoskins. It showcases Federation houses. The street is listed on the local government heritage list.
Burwood Park provides green space. Established in 1882, it features war memorials, a rotunda, and a lake. It is also the site of Carols in the Park each Christmas.
Today, Burwood is a vibrant suburb with a diverse community. The 2021 census recorded 18,224 residents. Many reported Chinese, English, Nepali, and Australian ancestries. Burwood has a mix of residential, commercial, and light industrial areas. The main shopping strip lines Burwood Road, near the railway station. Westfield Burwood is a large shopping center opposite Burwood Park. “Burwood Chinatown” connects Burwood Plaza to Burwood Road.
Getting around is easy. Burwood railway station is on the Sydney Trains network. Buses also serve the area.
Many notable people have called Burwood home. These include Prime Ministers William McMahon and Earle Page. Also, musicians Angus and Malcolm Young grew up here.
Burwood is a suburb of contrasts. It blends historical charm with modern living. From its indigenous roots to its multicultural present, Burwood continues to evolve. It stands as a testament to Sydney’s dynamic Inner West.