Abbotsford, New South Wales facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Abbotsford Sydney, New South Wales
Abbotsford House
Abbotsford Location in New South Wales
Postcode(s)	2046
Elevation	22 m (72 ft)
Area	1 km2 (0.4 sq mi)
Location	10 km (6 mi) from Sydney CBD
LGA(s)	City of Canada Bay
State electorate(s)	Drummoyne
Federal Division(s)	Reid
Suburbs around Abbotsford: Gladesville Gladesville Henley Cabarita Abbotsford Drummoyne Five Dock Wareemba Russell Lea

Abbotsford is a suburb located in the Inner West area of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It is about 10 kilometres west of the main Sydney central business district. Abbotsford sits on a piece of land that sticks out into the water, between Abbotsford Bay and Hen and Chicken Bay. These bays are part of the Parramatta River.

Discovering Abbotsford's Past

Abbotsford got its name from a large house called Abbotsford House. This house was owned by Sir Arthur Renwick. He named his property after a famous house in Scotland. That Scottish house was the home of Sir Walter Scott, a well-known writer and poet.

Aboriginal Roots: Bigi Bigi's Story

Long before European settlers arrived, Abbotsford was known by its Aboriginal name, Bigi Bigi. The Wangal clan of the Eora Nation are the traditional owners of this land. They have lived here for thousands of years.

European Settlement and Development

The area we now call Abbotsford was once part of a large farm called Five Dock Farm. In 1837, the land was divided up and first named Feltham.

Sir Arthur Renwick, who was a doctor and a politician, built his home here in 1890. He called it Abbotsford House. In 1903, he sold his property to Albert Grace. Later, in 1918, the house and land became the site of a Nestlé chocolate factory! The house was first used to make chocolate, then for the factory's offices. The factory closed in 1991. After that, the area was turned into a modern housing complex called Abbotsford Cove.

Some people thought the famous Australian poet Henry Lawson died at Abbotsford House in 1922. However, he actually passed away at another home nearby. Abbotsford House is now a protected historical site.

Who Lives in Abbotsford?

In 2016, about 5,373 people lived in Abbotsford. Most people (64%) were born in Australia. Other common birthplaces included Italy (5.5%), England (3.4%), and China (3.1%).

Most people (66%) spoke only English at home. Other languages spoken included Italian (9%), Mandarin (3%), Cantonese (2.2%), and Greek (2.1%). Many residents identified as Catholic (38.6%), while others had no religious affiliation (23.7%) or were Anglican (10.2%).

Getting Around Abbotsford

You can travel around Abbotsford using public transport. Transit Systems bus route 438 runs from the Abbotsford ferry wharf all the way to Martin Place in the city. The Abbotsford ferry wharf is also a stop for Parramatta River ferry services, which is a fun way to travel by water.

Years ago, electric trams used to operate in Abbotsford. But in 1954, buses replaced them.

Shopping and Services

Abbotsford has a small area with shops located on Great North Road. Here you can find local businesses and services.

Learning in Abbotsford

Abbotsford is home to Abbotsford Public School. This is a local primary school located at 350 Great North Road, where younger students attend classes.

Sports and Fun Activities

Abbotsford is a great place for water sports! The Abbotsford Sailing Club and Sydney Rowing Club are both located on the Parramatta River, at the end of Great North Road. Many schools also have their rowing sheds here, including Sydney Boys High School, Newington College, and the Abbotsford Rowing Club.

Notable People from Abbotsford

• Reg Latta
• Henry Lawson
• Lewy Pattinson
• Sir Arthur Renwick

Images for kids

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  Abbotsford Public School

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  Victorian cottage used as Day Care Centre

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  Abbotsford Presbyterian Church

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  Abbotsford Cove

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  St Andrew's Anglican Church