Abbotsford Florist
Before European settlement, the area now known as Abbotsford was called Bigi Bigi. It was inhabited by the Wangal clan of the Eora Nation, who utilized the Parramatta River for fishing and gathering. Hen and Chicken Bay, in particular, served as a significant meeting place for Aboriginal communities from the broader Sydney region.
European colonization began in the 1830s, with the land initially forming part of Five Dock Farm. In 1837, the area was subdivided and named Feltham. The suburb's current name, Abbotsford, originates from Abbotsford House, a Victorian mansion built in 1878 by Sir Arthur Renwick, a Scottish-born doctor, philanthropist, and politician. He named his residence after Abbotsford House in Scotland, the former home of his favorite author, Sir Walter Scott.
Abbotsford House stands as one of the few remaining 19th-century Victorian mansions in the area. In 1918, the iconic residence was transformed into a Nestlé chocolate factory, with the house serving as both a production site and administrative center. The factory continued operations until 1991, after which the surrounding area was redeveloped into the Abbotsford Cove housing complex. citeturn0search1
Australian poet Henry Lawson, renowned for his contributions to Australian literature, passed away in Abbotsford in 1922. Contrary to popular belief, he did not die in Abbotsford House but in a guest house along Great North Road.
Abbotsford boasts a vibrant sporting heritage, particularly in rowing. The Sydney Rowing Club, established in 1870 and now operating from Abbotsford since 1874, is the oldest rowing club in New South Wales. Additionally, the suburb houses rowing facilities for institutions such as Sydney Boys High School and Newington College.
Nestled between Abbotsford Bay and Hen and Chicken Bay along the Parramatta River, the suburb offers abundant recreational opportunities. The waterfront is adorned with parks, walking tracks, and sailing clubs, providing residents and visitors with scenic views and leisure activities.
Despite its tranquil setting, Abbotsford is conveniently located approximately 10 kilometers west of Sydney's central business district. The suburb is well-connected via public transport, including bus services and a ferry wharf, ensuring easy access to the broader Sydney area. The community is served by local amenities, including shops along Great North Road and educational institutions like Abbotsford Public School.
Abbotsford's blend of historical significance, cultural richness, and natural beauty makes it a distinctive and cherished part of Sydney's landscape.
One of Abbotsford`s most notable residents was Australian writer and bush poet Henry Lawson. In the later years of his life, Lawson lived with Isabel Byers, a fellow poet, who cared for him during his struggles with mental health and alcoholism. Lawson passed away at Byers` home at 437 Great North Road, Abbotsford, in 1922 from a cerebral haemorrhage. This house has since been demolished, but Lawson`s legacy lives on in the local community. In 1938, Henry Lawson Park was established in his honor, and in 2017, the community celebrated what would have been his 150th birthday.
Abbotsford is a charming suburb located in Sydney`s Inner West, approximately 10 kilometers west of the city`s central business district. It falls within the local government area of the City of Canada Bay, and its postal code is 2046. The suburb is bordered by Canada Bay, Wareemba, Chiswick, and Russell Lea, making it part of a vibrant and well-connected neighborhood.