bˈɔːɹn ɪn ˈædəlˌeɪd, sˈaʊθ ɔːstɹˈeɪliə, bˈɑːɹwɛl wʌz ˈɛdʒuːkˌeɪɾᵻd æt sənt pˈiːɾɚz kˈɑːlɪdʒ ænd ˈædəlˌeɪd jˌuːnɪvˈɜːsᵻɾi, ɡɹˈædjuːˌeɪɾɪŋ ɪn lˈɔː.
Born in Adelaide, South Australia, Barwell was educated at St Peter's College and Adelaide University, graduating in law.