Heart & Soul Retreats

By train

If you wish to catch the train from Sydney city or airport, the journey is easy and comfortable. The CBD to Otford takes approximately 75 minutes and is a direct line. The airport to Otford takes approximately 65 minutes with one train change. For more information on train times please download the ‘TripView’ app or visit sydneytrains.info.

+ From North (Sydney)

1. Take the South Coast Line from the country platform of Central Station.
2. Make sure the train passes through Otford Station.
3. Get off at Otford Station and cross the platform to the other side.
4. Walk down the road and take the first right at Lady Carrington Rd. Note the Heart & Soul / Govinda Valley sign on the corner.
5. Walk across the weir and take the driveway on the left and walk up into Govinda Valley.

+ FROM SOUTH (WOLLONGONG)

1. Take the South Coast Line north towards Sydney.
2. Make sure the train passes through Otford Station.
3. Get off at Otford Station.
4. Walk down the road and take the first right at Lady Carrington Rd. Note the Heart & Soul / Govinda Valley sign on the corner.
5. Walk across the weir and take the driveway on the left and walk up into Govinda Valley.

By car

Govinda Valley is approximately a 70 minute drive from Sydney CBD and 50 minute drive from Sydney airport.

Please note: if using a GPS, type "Govinda Valley Retreat" into the app, not the Govinda Valley address (51 Lady Carrington Road, Otford). This will result in the most accurate directions.

+ BY CAR FROM THE SOUTH (WOLLONGONG)

1. Take the freeway north towards Sydney.
2. Make sure to follow signs to Sydney.
3. Take the Helensburgh exit.
4. Turn right as you exit the freeway.
5. Turn right at the roundabout onto Lawrence Hargrave Drive.
6. Keep driving for about 5-10 minutes.
7. Drive straight through the T-intersection right before Bald Hill lookout on the right.
8. Pass Bald Hill Lookout on the right.
9. 200m up the road, turn left at Otford Road - note the Heart & Soul / Govinda Valley sign.

10. The road will be signed all the way to our retreat centre. If you need it, follow these detailed directions:

    1. Follow Otford Road as it winds down into the valley.
    2. Cross the railway bridge.
    3. Take first right at Lady Carrington Rd.
    4. Take the first left (continuation of Lady Carrington Rd).
    5. Cross the weir.
    6. Take the driveway on the left into Heart & Soul / Govinda Valley.

+ BY CAR FROM THE NORTH (SYDNEY)

1. Take the Princess Highway (Highway 1) south towards Wollongong.
2. Take the Stanwell Park/Helensburgh exit.
3. Drive straight through the roundabout along Lawrence Hargrave Drive.
4. Keep driving for about 5 - 10 minutes.
5. Drive straight through the T-intersection right before Bald Hill lookout on the right.
6. Pass Bald Hill Lookout on the right.
7. 200m up the road turn, left at Otford Rd - note the Heart & Soul / Govinda Valley sign.

8. The road will be signed all the way to the retreat. If you need it, follow these detailed directions:

   1. Follow Otford Road as it winds down into the valley.
   2. Cross the railway bridge.
   3. Take first right at Lady Carrington Rd.
   4. Take the first left (continuation of Lady Carrington Rd).
   5. Cross the weir.
   6. Take the driveway on the left into Heart & Soul / Govinda Valley.

+ FROM SOUTH WEST (CANBERRA)

1. Take the Hume Highway (31) north towards Sydney.
2. Turn right onto Picton Road.
3. Turn left onto Wilton Road.
4. Turn right onto Appin Rd (69).
5. Turn left onto the Princess Highway towards Sydney.
6. Take the Helensburgh exit.
7. Turn right at the roundabout.
8. Keep driving for about 5 - 10 minutes.
9. Drive straight through the T-intersection just before Bald Hill lookout on the right.
10. Pass Bald Hill lookout on the right.
11. 200m up the road turn left at Otford Rd - note the Heart & Soul / Govinda Valley sign.

12. The road will be signed all the way to the retreat. If you need it, follow these detailed directions:

    1. Follow Otford Road as it winds down into the valley.
    2. Cross the railway bridge.
    3. Take first right at Lady Carrington Rd.
    4. Take the first left (continuation of Lady Carrington Rd).
    5. Cross the weir.
    6. Take the driveway on the left to Heart & Soul / Govinda Valley.

We want to provide an uplifting space dedicated to your health, wellness, and yogic immersion, and ask that you respect the following guidelines during your stay:

- Abstinence from the consumption of meat, alcohol, and other intoxicants.

- Avoid the use of aerosol sprays close to fire detectors, as they can activate our alarm system.

- Maintain mindful silence between 9pm and 6:30am, and generally keep noise levels at a minimum to uphold the sanctity of our retreat during all other times.

- Please note that, in order to maintain the peace and tranquillity of the space, we only accommodate for guests above the age of 16.

Cancellations & Refund Policy (brief overview): 

• If you wish to cancel a booking and the request is received with more than 1 month notice before your arrival date, you will be offered the opportunity to reschedule to an available date or receive a full refund including deposit. 

• If your booking cancellation is received between 1 month to 2 weeks before your arrival date, there will be no monetary refunds. The booking, however, can be transferred to another available date.

•  If your booking cancellation is received within 2 weeks of your arrival date, your deposit and any fee paid will not be refunded and the booking is non-transferable to another date. 

• If you fail to arrive on the date of your retreat stay, arrive on a date other than your previously confirmed booking date, or you leave early, your payment is non-refundable and the booking is non-transferrable to another date.