Abbotsford

Abbotsford is an inner suburb of Melbourne that spreads along the Yarra River and contains Victorian-era homes, contemporary buildings, and industrial structures side by side. The area combines older and newer architecture within a mixed urban landscape in northeastern Melbourne.

The area was originally farmland and was subdivided in 1838, until John Dight purchased a parcel and developed it as Dight's Paddock. This shift marked the beginning of industrial growth that has shaped the neighborhood.

Multiple communities have shaped the neighborhood over time, and their presence shows up in local restaurants, shops, and street-level gatherings. Walking through, you notice the blend of different cuisines and meeting spots that reflect how people from different backgrounds share this area.

Two railway stations, Collingwood and Victoria Park, connect the area to Melbourne's public transport network, with multiple tram lines running through major streets. Getting around by public transport is straightforward for visitors exploring different parts of the suburb and heading into the city center.

The Skipping Girl Sign has stood at the corner of Victoria Street and Nicholson Street since 1936 as an animated neon advertisement, one of Australia's oldest surviving signs of this type. This landmark catches the eye of visitors interested in early advertising history and the suburb's visual heritage.

Location: City of Yarra

Location: Victoria

Elevation above the sea: 25 m

Shares border with: Collingwood, Clifton Hill, Richmond, Kew, Fairfield, Hawthorn, East Melbourne

GPS coordinates: -37.80300,145.00200

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:07