The suburb is usually called "Flemington," even in official places. Locals sometimes call it "Flemo." "Flemington" was the original official name of the area. In 1892, the residential part of Flemington became part of the nearby suburb of Strathfield.

Later, in 1975, the Sydney Markets opened here. They quickly became known as "Flemington Markets." Because of this, "Flemington" was made an official suburb name again in 1977.

In 1992, the residential area was officially renamed "Homebush West." This new name comes from the suburb of Homebush to the east. Even with the new name, most people still call the area "Flemington." The train station, local businesses, and the famous markets all keep the "Flemington" name.

A Look at Flemington's Past

A Federation-era cottage in Flemington, now used by Catholic Youth Services.

The area was named Flemington after John Fleming. He was given 200 acres (about 0.8 square kilometres) of land here in 1806.

Before that, a nearby area was called "Liberty Plains." This name came from land given to the first free settlers. Flemington is at the edge of this historic area. The neighbouring suburb of Homebush was named after an estate called "Home Bush." This estate was owned by D'arcy Wentworth in the 1800s.

The part of Fleming's land south of the railway was divided up in 1882. Streets were laid out in a grid pattern, which you can still see today. These streets are named after places in southern England, like Richmond, Henley, Hampstead, and Exeter.

The Famous Flemington Markets

The main entrance to the Sydney Markets.

North of the railway, the land was used for cattle sales starting in 1883. This was where cattle were bought and sold.

In the early 1970s, the Sydney Markets were built here. They moved from Paddy's Markets in the city centre. The new markets opened in 1975 and became known as "Flemington Markets." Because of the markets, the residential part of the suburb was officially renamed "Homebush West" in 1992.

Spiceland and other shops on Henley Road, Flemington.

Many people from the Chinese community have worked in Sydney's fruit and vegetable trade for a long time. When the markets moved to Flemington, many Chinese businesses and people came too. This brought Chinese grocery stores, restaurants, and doctors to Flemington.

Around the same time, many Vietnamese immigrants also came to Australia. Many of them also started working in the market garden trade. This mix of Chinese, Vietnamese-Chinese, and Vietnamese businesses made Flemington a vibrant, multicultural place. It still has this unique feel today.

The Old Ford Factory Site

West of the Flemington Markets, there was a Ford car factory. It was built in 1935 and closed in 1994.

The homes around the factory were first built for Ford employees. This area has changed councils a few times over the years. Even though the suburb is now called "Homebush West," a small, unpopulated part of this area is still officially called "Flemington."

Getting Around Flemington

Flemington has its own train station, Flemington railway station. It's on the Inner West & Leppington Line of the Sydney Trains network. The station is popular with locals. It was renovated in 2018, which changed its historical look.

Even though Flemington station is small, it's surrounded by a lot of railway lines. The Olympic Park railway line is to the west. The Flemington Maintenance Depot, where trains are looked after, is also nearby. Major freight lines also cross through this area.

A big road called the A3 arterial road runs through Flemington from north to south.

Flemington Railway Station prior to 2018 renovations
Flemington Railway Station after 2018 renovations

What Flemington Looks Like

Apartment buildings from the 1970s in Flemington.

Flemington Chemist on Henley Road.

Flemington is divided into different areas by the railway lines and major roads. Each area has its own unique features.

Flemington Village Centre

This is the original residential part of the suburb, south of the railway. The village centre has many shops on The Crescent and Henley Road, right next to the train station. You'll find a variety of Asian restaurants and businesses here. They reflect the many different cultures of the people who live and work in Flemington. There are Chinese, Vietnamese, Sri Lankan, Indian, Malaysian, and Nepalese food stores and restaurants. This area now has many apartment buildings, with only a few detached houses left.

The Sydney Markets Area

The Flemington Markets take up a large area north of the railway. This area also has a shopping complex called Sydney Markets Plaza. It includes banks and a supermarket. This part of Flemington even has its own postcode, 2129, which is different from the rest of the suburb.

Welfare Street Homes

Further north, a small part of the suburb is between Parramatta Road and the M4 motorway. This area is mostly industrial. However, there's a small residential area with houses on Welfare Street and Flemington Road. These homes were originally built for workers at a state abattoir (a place where animals are processed). These houses are now protected as a heritage area.

Courallie Avenue Area

West of the A3 road and north of the railway, this area used to be the Ford factory site. It is now mostly industrial. There is a small residential area on Courallie Avenue. These homes were originally built for Ford employees. A new development in this industrial area has created a large estate with many residents.

Arthur Street Industrial Area

The part of the suburb west of the A3 road and south of the railway is now almost completely industrial. The main office for the big Australian retailer, Harvey Norman, is located here.

Nearby Places

The DFO Homebush factory outlet shopping centre is just north of Flemington. While not technically in the suburb, it's a popular shopping spot nearby.

Schools in Flemington

Homebush West Public School.

The local school is Homebush West Public School. It was started in 1912 and teaches students from Kindergarten to Year 6. St Dominics Primary School used to be here but closed in 2006.

Places of Worship

St Dominics Catholic Church.

Flemington has several places where people can worship:

St Dominic's Catholic Church
St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church
Sri Karphaga Vinayakar Hindu Temple

Who Lives in Flemington?

At the 2021 census, there were 9,108 people living in Flemington. About 24.4% of residents were born in Australia. Other common birthplaces include India (17.1%), China (12.5%), and Nepal (12.2%).

Many different languages are spoken at home. About 18.4% of people speak only English. Other languages include Mandarin (12.9%), Nepali (12.5%), and Cantonese (7.4%).

The most common religions are Hinduism (30.3%), followed by those with No Religion (26.0%), and Catholic (10.6%).

Famous People from Flemington

Some notable people who were born or have lived in Flemington include:

Greg Haddrick (born 1960), a writer and producer for television.
Ron Haddrick (1929–2020), a well-known actor in theatre, television, and film.
Bryan Palmer (1899–1990), a Rugby Union player and coach for the Australian national team, the Wallabies.

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Flemington, New South Wales Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.

Flemington, New South Wales facts for kids

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Why is it Called Flemington?