Govinda Valley Retreat

I was a bit scared to go deeper.. or could it be that I did not want to leave. I stumbled across this place today in my roaming.. a quiet and tranquil retreat just south of Sydney. Volunteers stay here in return for food and accomodation and on weekends it’s booked out with Yoga and Meditation Retreats. I have a soft spot for these soul-filled places. Calm, kind and brilliant food.

This is an amazing place in all respects. The surroundings, the workshops, the food (I never thought vegan food can be so good!). If you need some happiness boost, consider at least a short term stay once in a while...

I visited Govinda Valley as a volunteer and it was the most beautiful experience. The moment I stepped off the train in Otford, one of the residents saw me looking confused and asked if I was headed to Govinda Valley. He then helped me with my bags and showed me exactly where to go. This first friendly encounter was a true reflection of the Govinda Valley. It is the most welcoming and accepting place. The atmosphere is peaceful and loving. I felt at home after only a few hours of arriving.The surrounding area is incredible. It feels as though you're in the middle of no where, surrounded by a mass of trees and wildlife. There are so many stunning places to visit in the surrounding areas (Kelly's Falls being one of my favourites).The facilities are perfect and cared for well, the food is too good (Serious self control is needed not to over eat) and all the workshops and classes are so informative and magical.The community life here is so special and I recommend this beautiful experience to everyone, either as a volunteer or a guest.

Clean, comfortable, quiet. Great yoga and other classes as well. Beautiful vegan food.

Spiritually transforming place and people. I wish everyone should visit at least once in a lifetime.

Govinda Valley is the most tranquil place I have ever had the pleasure of staying. The land around the property so beautifully filled with an endless amount of greenery which fills the space with fresh, clean air. The community atmosphere here is so welcoming and loving, it makes you want the rest of the world to feel it too! The vegan food is some of the best I've ever tasted - big hearty hot meals made from whole food plant-based goodness, some even grown in their garden! The amazing yoga classes and kirtan nicely break up your day, with time in between to fill with exploring the beautiful surroundings or just simply to relax and unwind alone. All this just a train ride away from Sydney.... I can't recommend this place enough!

Lovely retreat not too far from Sydney. Well priced considering how much is included - the daily activities are subject to change which is worth noting, but the food, rooms and surrounds make it worthwhile.

A place to find inner peace, look after body, mind and heart. Breath pure air, eat delicious & nutricious ayurvedic meals, enjoy interactive workshops, joga classes, or just breath and enjoy the peaceful and stunning scenery.

Beautiful, tranquil place with an amazing vibe. Grounds and rooms are gorgeous and so clean. Lunar and Solar rooms hold yoga and meditation classes with so much natural light...amazing for sunrise! And the food...the best vegan food I have ever had...with so much choice and so much of it!! A definite must-visit if the mind, body and spirit are in need of replenishing, reviving and relaxing <3

Visited Govinda Valley for a Yoga and Wellness Retreat and it was a fantastic experience. It was my first retreat, the area is beautiful, surrounded by lush trees and singing birds. The food was definitely a highlight, all vegan, delicious and fresh, made with lots of their home grown ingredients. I could easily go back just for the food! The staff were so lovely and helpful. The entire place was peaceful, you can hear the wind chimes gracefully relaxing your mind. They also have a store where they sell their products, I bought the vegan Nutella that they served at breakfast and some handmade rosary beads.