Campus
Live, study and learn on campus
A unique and immersive approach to education
Govinda Valley Campus
The Govinda Valley campus is located 50 minutes south of Sydney CBD.
Nestled at the foot of the Royal National Park NSW, our campus includes 3 yoga halls, separate male and female student accommodation, a large dining hall for shared dining, organic fruit and vegetable gardens and 20 acres of lush greenery perfect for self-reflection, study and contemplation.
Live, study and learn on campus.
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A unique immersive approach to education
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A healthy holistic lifestyle
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A secluded, natural setting of beach and bush
A Day at Govinda Valley
Campus
The following can be expected in a standard day:
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1 hour Personal Practice (Astanga)
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4 hours Seva (Service)
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Study and Free Time (Reflection)
Personal Practice
In a world of distraction, Govinda Valley recognises the importance of
stepping back and honouring self-reflection. Inevitably, the greatest realisations come through our personal practice.
1hr daily.
1 hour daily
Selfless Service
The conscious practice of humility, generosity and gratitude through a selfless approach to service.
4hrs daily
4 hours daily
Study/Reflection Time
Dive into your self-
improvement journey through personal yoga practice, further study and free time to relax, breathe, rest and reset.
There will be plenty of time to spend as you choose.
Remaining time
Pastries - $4
Butter Croissant - $2.5
Coffee/Tea - $1
Fresh Juice - $2
Browse the
Daily Schedule
Daily Schedule
6am: Personal Practice
8:15am: Breakfast
9:00am: Seva (Selfless Service)
11:30am: Workshop (Optional)
1:15pm: Lunch
4:00pm: Yoga Class (Optional)
6:15pm: Dinner
7:30pm: Evening Workshop (Optional)
* Note: Additional Morning and/or Afternoon Course Classes multiple times weekly (Dependent on your Course Curriculum).
Each and every day varies slightly on campus bringing new light to each passing week.
Variations can occur due to Course Programs, Special Events (such as graduation ceremonies), Assembly Meetings and other projects that may be taking place. However, where possible our aim is to keep class schedules as consistent as possible to help all students cultivate a grounding sense of routine, stability and clarity.
Campus Living
Our campus is located 50 minutes south of Sydney CBD. Nestled in the Royal National Park NSW, our campus includes 3 yoga halls, separate male and female student accommodations, a large dining hall for shared dining, organic fruit and vegetable gardens. All within 20 acres of lush greenery perfect for self-reflection, study, and contemplation.
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Student Accommodation
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Separate Male and Female Quarters
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Bathroom Facilities
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Private and Share Room Allocations
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Laundry Facilities
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Quiet Time: 9pm -6am
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Free of charge
Student Accomodation
Govinda Valley takes an innovative approach to yoga education, encouraging students to change their lives through an immersive in-house program. All successful applicants reside and study on-campus (free of charge) to ultimately live, breathe and embody their yoga studies.
The Campus holds free study accommodation rooms and they are segregated into male and female living quarters. Rooms are allocated before your arrival and you may be allocated to a private or double share room. All essential bedding and furniture are provided. We ask that students maintain silence between 9pm-6am to ensure all are able to receive adequate rest.
Student/Course Fees
There are no charges for attending Govinda Valley Ashram & Yoga School courses. Our education is given freely on a scholarship basis; this includes no fee for food and accommodation, our only request is that all students make a sincere committment to their studies, personal growth, service and yoga practice.
The only financial request is a $150aud student bond which will be returned to the student upon course completion. Please read more about the student bond in the Student Manual here.
Location & Transport
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Located: Otford NSW 2508 Australia
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Parking: Student Parking Lots available
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Public Transport: Train and Bus available in walking distance
Location
Govinda Valley is nestled in the mountains of the Royal National Park, South of Sydney and 50 minutes from Sydney CBD
Address: 51 Lady Carrington Road, Otford 2508, NSW Australia.
Transport
Student parking lots are available onsite for those with personal vehicles.
For students without access to a personal vehicle, train and bus services are avaliable at Otford Train Station; conveniently located 5 minute walk or 2 minute drive away.
Sattvic Living
Zero-tolerance policy
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No Drugs, Intoxicants, Alcohol
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No Stimulants (Including Caffeine)
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No cigarette and E-cigarette smoking
Govinda Valley takes intiative to cultivate a study environment that is conducive to Sattvic living - a yogic principle that involves living in balance and harmony with self and others.
Our school believes that true fulfilment starts with dropping unhealthy habits while cultivating a daily disciplined spiritual practice, a balanced Sattvic lifestyle, and respect for self and other living beings.
To ensure such values are upheld, our school has strict zero-tolerance policy to caffeine, cigarette and e-cigarette smoking, intoxicants (such as drugs and alcohol), consuming animal products (including bone broth) and addictions such as gaming, gambling and other unhealthy living habits (such as unconscious phone usage for games, social media, etc).
To ensure you make the most of your studies here and honour the studies of fellow peers, our zero-tolerance policy applies both on and off the campus during your studies at Govinda Valley. Students who breach the zero-tolerance policy will be asked to leave and terminate their studies.
Plant-based Meals
Based on Ahimsa and Yogic Health Principles
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3 Vegan Meals daily
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24/7 Fruit & Chai Station
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Shared Student Fridges for personal needs/dietary requirements
Govinda Valley is an intentional yoga school and we take an active approach in embracing ahimsa (non-violence) as one of the key principles of yogic living. This is imbued throughout our kitchen which provides 3 vegan meals to all students daily.
No living being, even those in the lower species, should be killed unnecessarily, nor are foods such as meat, fish, and eggs considered fit for human consumption, according to the yogic tradition. Such foods are not allowed at Govinda Valley.
Students are not required to be vegan or vegetarian prior to partaking in Govinda Valley Courses, however, for the length of their studies it is expected that all students follow our ethical standards in regards to food and living. If you're concerned about our vegan meals, rest assured our meals are vibrant, unforgettably delicious and varied. After enjoying 3 delicious vegan meals per day for a month or more, most students consider adopting a more conscious way of living as they progress further on their yogic path in life.
Three Meals Daily
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Filtered water
24/7 Fruit and Chai Station
Served in the Dining Hall
Selfless Service
With Heart & Soul Retreats
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4 hours daily
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28 hours weekly
Selfless service, commonly termed 'seva', is an traditional element of yogic living. Through selfless service individuals learn to cultivate and express gratitude while giving for giving's sake. At Govinda Valley, selfless service is seen as the critical time to put into practice one's studies and key learnings. It's a way to express gratitude to self and others, cultivate humility, and develop into a stronger version of one's self.
Service entails 4 hours daily and comprises 28 hours a week, in contribution to Heart and Soul Retreats- Govinda Valley's Sister Project that exists to fund the scholarship of every student at Govinda Valley.
Service roles are allocated prior to your arrival and may change throughout your studies and length of stay. Service departments vary from Reception, Kitchen, Housekeeping, Grounds Maintenance etc.
Read more about Service and Heart and Soul Retreats here.
What to Bring & Dress Code
What To Bring
At Govinda Valley, we do our best to make sure you're well-equipped upon arrival. All essential bedding, furniture, and towels are provided. However, we request you bring a handful of items to make your stay even more comfortable:
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Modest clothing for variable weather conditions (e.g layers, raincoat)
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Writing equipment (e.g. laptop, notebooks, pens)
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Personal toiletries
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Sunscreen and hat
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Closed-toe working shoes or Gumboots
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Water bottle
Suggested:
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Personal yoga mat
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Personal bath towel
Dress Code
At Govinda Valley, dress should be simple, modest and comfortable for all cultural, spiritual, and interpersonal circumstances of ashram life. Tight, transparent, revealing clothing (e.g ripped shorts, short skirts or cropped clothing) should not be worn.
Sunbathing and partial nudity are not permitted.
This is important in order to minimise distraction to others.
No artificial colognes, perfume, strong-scented lotions and creams.
We do encourage the light application of natural deodorants for personal hygiene purposes however, to protect our students with chemical sensitivities, we ask for your cooperation in helping to create a ‘scent-free’ environment by: Avoiding strongly and/or artificially scented personal care products such as perfume, ittar/attar, body oils, cologne, aftershave, scented lotions or cream. Most brands have fragrance-free products available.
"For as long as I can remember,
I've had this feeling that there was something more to live for - a better way to live...I realise now what I have truly found here. For this I will always be grateful."
Thomas C, NSW
