Abbotsford, New South Wales

Abbotsford is a suburb in the Inner West region of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Abbotsford is located 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.

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's sold his property in 1903 and it became the site of a Nestlé chocolate factory, with the house used for their administrative offices. Australian poet Henry Lawson died in Abbotsford House in 1922, then the home of Mrs Isabella Bryers. It is now listed on the Register of the National Estate.

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.

Churches and Religious Organisations
Abbotsford Presbyterian church building was established in 1928. Since then a growing community of Christ-centred people who love God have met there regularly.

Sport and recreation
Abbotsford Sailing Club sits 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.

Notable residents

 * Sir Arthur Renwick
 * David Hicks