Former prime minister Tony Abbott has lost his seat of Warringah after 25 years in parliament and public life.

7NEWS called the seat a likely win for independent candidate Zali Steggall.

Zali Steggall Credit: AAP

The campaign in Warringah was often bitter and tense. Anti-Abbott posters with profanities were put up around the electorate earlier this month, poo was found in a hollowed-out book left at Abbott's electorate office, and on election day, a Tony Abbott supporter was allegedly attacked by a man armed with a corkscrew.

In his concession speech, the former prime minister said there was good news and "a little bit of bad news". The good news being the Coalition has every chance to win the election.

"This is a really extraordinary result, a really stupendous result," Abbott said about the Coalition's chances of re-election.

"Of course it is disappointing for us here in Warringah," he said, but it is important who forms government.

"Once we had the result in the Wentworth by-election six months or so back, I always knew it was going to be tough here in Warringah, and I can't say it doesn't hurt to lose," he said.

Watch Abbott's concession speech in full.

Play Video Former prime minister Tony Abbott addresses supporters in the seat of Warringah. Former prime minister Tony Abbott addresses supporters in the seat of Warringah.

"I'd rather be a loser than a quitter."

Abbott admitted he had in the past had a number of positions on climate change, but said that while progressives would win the issue when morals are the focus, when the economic impact was the focus, Liberals won.

Abbott said that his public life would go on out of office, and he looked forward to many more years living in Warringah.

Watch Steggall supporters celebrate.

Play Video Zali Steggall supporters celebrate the win in Warringah. Zali Steggall supporters celebrate the win in Warringah.

In her victory speech, Steggall said Warringah had "voted for the future".

'I will be a climate leader for you'

"You all showed that when communities want change, they make it happen.

"This is a win for moderates with a heart."

Steggall said Abbott has been a "dedicated and long-serving local member".

"Nobody can doubt his community spirit, his work ethic and his contribution to his community, and I wish him well."

Steggall said she would be a "climate leader" and would push the government for real action on climate change.

Watch Steggall's victory speech.

Play Video Steggall: 'Tonight Warringah has definitely voted for the future' Steggall: 'Tonight Warringah has definitely voted for the future'

GetUp campaigned strongly against the incumbent, while conservative lobby group Advance Australia poured money into "Captain GetUp" to campaign against GetUp and for Abbott.