Abbotsbury is a suburb of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 39 kilometres west of the Sydney central business district in the local government area of the City of Fairfield. Abbotsbury is part of the Greater Western Sydney region and is considered to be one of the most affluent suburbs in that area.
Most of the suburb's estates were built in the late 1980s and early 1990s, although a few acres of undeveloped land in the north-west area was subdivided and developed in the early 2010s. The western border of the suburb is delineated by a line of pine trees, which gives privacy to the homes backing onto the farmlands.
History
Abbotsbury was named from Major Edward Abbott, a Canadian born soldier who arrived in New South Wales in 1790. Abbott was granted land in what is now Abbotsbury in 1806 although sold it to a William Browne in 1810. The estate remained intact until the late 19th century when it was subdivided into small farms and it remained a rural area until the late 20th century when residential subdivision began. The name for the suburb was approved in 1991.
Demographics
According to the 2011 census of Population, there were 4,194 residents in Abbotsbury. 63.6% of residents were born in Australia. The most common other countries of birth were Iraq 5.4%, Italy 4.2% and Vietnam 2.1%. 53.6% of residents spoke only English at home. Other languages spoken at home included Italian 7.5%, Assyrian Neo-Aramaic 5.6% and Arabic 4.4%. The most common responses for religious affiliation were Catholic 58.4%), Orthodox 7.8% and Anglican 6.7%.
Landmarks
Abbotsbury is best known for Calmsley Hill Farm, which is located on the western side of the suburb.
In the north-west of the suburb, there is a large hill, which has a panoramic view of all of Sydney, and the city skyline may be seen from here. Families enjoy to picnic and walk in this area, and even come here to view the new years fireworks from Sydney.
Commercial area
The suburb also has a small shopping complex, including a grocery store, a vet, a hairdressers, a cafe and a gourmet pizzeria. Abbotsbury's telephone and internet runs off the Edensor Park Exchange. iiNet's and TPG's ADSL2+ service as well as general ADSL and Cable are available in the area.
Abbotsbury is also one of the safest suburbs in Western Sydney, due to the fact that the only entrance is on the east. The North and West of Abbotsbury leads to a national park and there are no roads here.
Transport
Abbotsbury is serviced by the region three Sydney bus operator Transit Systems. The 808 and 806 buses come through here. The most common form of transport used by residents is private vehicle.
Sport and recreation
The Western Sydney cycling path passes through Abbotsbury. Stretching far along Western Sydney, the cycling path passes through the Calmsley Hill Farm (previously known as Fairfield City Farm), which is located at the Western Sydney Regional Park. Calmsley Hill Farm was used during the 2000 Sydney Olympics for the mountain biking events. The biking tracks remain.
The suburb also has a sporting field named Stockdale Reserve. Adjacent to this park, there are several ponds, home to many species of birds, mainly ducks.