About Us
Sydney's Leading Ashram and Yoga School
Who we are
Yoga Ashram & School in Sydney
Govinda Valley is a not-for-profit ashram in Australia and a spiritual school for self-discovery and realisation.
Guided by the wisdom of yoga, neuroscience, and a deep commitment to help individuals live in their true purpose and power, we offer free, curated courses on the body, mind, and spirit, just one hour south of Sydney.
About Govinda Valley
Govinda Valley Ashram & Yoga School is a spiritual educational institute rooted in ancient yogic wisdom. Govinda Valley is a place to truly immerse yourself in a harmonious, spiritual, and natural lifestyle.
Close enough to the city to stay connected, yet far enough to gain perspective, the Valley is a place for awakening: a place to remember who you are and reconnect with what you truly find meaningful in life.
Informed by teachings of revered yogis such as Patanjali, Vyasadeva, and A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, our mission is to transform consciousness and inspire you to reconnect to self, lead a healthy, holistic life, and uncover a spiritual connection for the betterment of the planet, society, and future generations.
Govinda Valley - Australia's leading Yoga Ashram.
Come as you are. Grow into who you're meant to be.
Our Story
In a world obsessed with doing, owning, and achieving, we ask a different set of questions:
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Who am I beneath all the labels?
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Am I living a life that I chose, or one that was chosen for me?
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What brings me real joy, purpose, and peace?
Govinda Valley invites you to hit pause, step away from the noise, climb out of the rat race, and explore the deeper layers of your being. It’s a place to find answers to existential questions, develop character and discipline, and define your true values in life.
Early 2000s
The Conception
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Our story begins in 2004.
Recognising that the world needed a space where people could stop, reflect, and uncover what truly matters, three truth-seekers - Andre, Patrick, and Percy - came together and birthed the blueprint for Govinda Valley.
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A space for self-discovery and self-realisation.
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A modern-day ashram.
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A school for inner growth.
But it didn’t happen overnight.
It took us a long time to get here, but when something calls you deeply, you keep showing up. When it's your dharma, it keeps calling - no matter what.
Early 2000s
Finding the Right Place
Our first step: Find a property. We needed a space that could hold at least thirty people - individuals who may come from all over the world, from any background, so long as they were honest in their search for Truth and a meaningful life. It needed to be spacious, immersed in nature, and not too far from the city (for us suburban folks).
By grace and good fortune, we found it! A 20-acre haven nestled within the Royal National Park, just one hour south of Sydney, surrounded by tranquil forests and pristine beaches. We even have the train station right at our doorstep.
2000 - Early 2020s
Paying the Price
Financing a pristine 20-acre property was definitely a challenge. As a not-for-profit community dedicated to creating a space for free learning and self-discovery, this wasn’t easy — but our mission kept us going.
We got creative and opened our doors as a retreat and event space, powered entirely by volunteers. With love, laughter, and a lot of vegan bliss balls, we made it work. Every event, every shared meal, and every moment of service brought us closer to our dream.
And finally, after eighteen long years, we did it — the mortgage was paid off! We could finally return to our original intention: to create a school for training and education based on the profound and holistic yoga system.
2020s
A Return to Purpose
Now, Govinda Valley has stepped into its intended form:
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A school for self-discovery.
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A school of self-realisation.
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An ashram where we learn what’s true, unlearn what doesn’t serve us, grow, and practice.
Guided by the wisdom of the Brahma-Madhva Gaudiya lineage that spans thousands of years, we now humbly pass on the knowledge that was once given to us by our preceptors - sages and monks who dedicated their lives to the betterment of others.
This is not a place for quick fixes. It’s a space for deep, sustainable, and lasting transformation. A place to align body, breath, mind, and soul. A place where you can find out who you truly are, reconnect to spirit, and uncover your true potential.
Our Collaboration with
Heart & Soul Retreats
To facilitate our free live-in courses, all expenses needed to be covered. Thus, our sister project, Heart and Soul Retreats, was created — a beautiful retreat and booking space.
In this circular economy, students live, study, and practice on-site free of charge, supported by the financial offerings from guests who book in to rest, reset, and reconnect with themselves. It's win-win for all involved.