Population 5,112 (2011 census) LGA(s) City of Canada Bay Abbotsford Chiswick Postal code 2046 | Postcode(s) 2046 State electorate(s) Drummoyne Area 100 ha Federal division Division of Reid | |
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Location 10 km (6 mi) from Sydney CBD | ||
Abbotsford is a suburb in the Inner West of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Abbotsford is 10 kilometres west of the Sydney central business district in the local government area of the City of Canada Bay. Abbotsford sits on the peninsula between Abbotsford Bay and Hen and Chicken Bay, on the Parramatta River.
Contents
- Map of Abbotsford NSW 2046 Australia
- History
- Aboriginal culture
- European settlement
- Demographics
- Transport
- Commercial area
- Education
- Sport and recreation
- Notable residents
- References
Map of Abbotsford NSW 2046, Australia
History
Abbotsford took its name from Abbotsford House, owned by Sir Arthur Renwick. He named his property after Abbotsford House in the United Kingdom, the residence of historical novelist and poet, Sir Walter Scott.
Aboriginal culture
Abbotsford was first known by its Aboriginal name Bigi Bigi.
European settlement
The suburb was originally part of Five Dock Farm and when subdivided in 1837, was called Feltham. Sir Arthur Renwick, a doctor, philanthropist and politician built his home here in 1890 and called it Abbotsford House in honour of Sir Walter Scott's home. Renwick sold his property in 1903 to Albert Grace, and in 1918 it became the site of a Nestlé chocolate factory, with the house used initially for chocolate production and later as their administrative offices. The factory was closed in 1991, after which the area was redeveloped as the medium-density Abbotsford Cove housing complex.
Australian poet Henry Lawson did not die in Abbotsford House in 1922, as is sometimes claimed, but at the home of Mrs Isabella Byers at 437 Great North Road, recently demolished. Abbotsford House is now listed on the Register of the National Estate.
Demographics
According to the 2011 census of Population, there were 5,112 residents in Abbotsford. 65.8% of residents were born in Australia. The most common other countries of birth were Italy 6.0%, England 3.8% and China 2.2%. 68.0% of residents spoke only English at home. Other languages spoken at home included Italian 11.1%, Cantonese 2.6% and Greek 1.9%. The most common responses for religious affiliation were Catholic 42.0%, No Religion 19.2% and Anglican 13.9%.
Transport
Sydney Buses run a bus route through Abbotsford and a ferry wharf provides access to Parramatta River ferry services. Electric trams operated to Abbotsford until their replacement by buses in 1954.
Commercial area
Abbotsford has a small group of shops on Great North Road.
Education
Abbotsford Public School is a local primary school at 350 Great North Road.
Sport and recreation
Abbotsford Sailing Club and Sydney Rowing Club sit on the Parramatta River, at the end of Great North Road. Abbotsford houses the rowing sheds for Sydney High School, Newington College and MLC School.