About Cedarvale
Cedarvale is a vibrant health ministry established on 150 acres in a beautiful setting at the head of Kangaroo Valley, an hour and a half south of Sydney in NSW, Australia.
The property adjoins the Morton National Park and is surrounded by 200ft cliffs on both the southern and western boundaries. There are approximately 50 acres of lush rainforest with abundant flora and fauna, on the property.
Our mission is:
- To educate and assist people to gain and maintain optimum health physically, mentally and spiritually. This is realised at the lifestyle centre where our staff team minister to health guests on a weekly basis.
- To train and inspire youth, preparing them for effective gospel ministry. This is realised through our live-in training school which combines a wholistic approach of practical and theory classes. The school, established four years ago, is now expanding horizons to accept more students and include Bible and outreach classes.
Waterfalls, Orchard & Camping Facilities
Aside from the lifestyle centre, some of the other main features of the property include Cedarvale Falls, the Kiwi Orchard, Staff Cottages, Hydro and Solar Power, the Activity Centre and a Camping Area.
Cedarvale Falls (as we call it)
In between the lifestyle centre, and the staff cottages is a small rainforest track following the creek about 300 metres upstream to this beautiful waterfall.
During rainy times, it is truly a majestic sight to see the water pounding down the 50-60ft drop.
From this track there are number of more challening hikes to the top of the surrounding escarpment with breathtaking views of kangaroo valley and beyond.
Staff Cottages
Over the years Cedarvale has built five cottages, ranging in size from two to four bedrooms each. This has been an essential step to our sustainability as a ministry, and our ability to support a full-time staff team.
Recently we have purchased a new property, just five minutes back towards Fitzroy Falls. On it are two houses (duplex style), which actually used to belong to Geoff Richardson (Cedarvale founder), but were going to auction at the end of last year. We praise God for the providential leading in supplying this property to meet our growing staff needs.
The housing on this new property is undergoing rennovations, and by July will be available to house male students and staff if necessary.
Hydro / Solar Power
One of the biggest contributions to sustainability is our 24/7 off-the-grid hydro and solar power system.
All five cottages, the lifestyle centre, student accomodation and the activity centre are powered by this system.
The batteries were recently upgraded and a large array of solar panels added to supplement the hydro generator.
Kiwi Orchard
Another feature of Cedarvale is the Kiwifruit orchard, growing on the fertile flats below the staff cottages. Every year staff (and birds!) pick literally thousands of kiwifruit from the well-established vines.
At times staff have sold kiwifruit to people in the kangaroo valley community and beyond.
The rest of the orchard includes some Orange, Lemon, Grapefruit, Tangerine, Manderin, Fig, Macadamia, Chestnut, Avocado and Walnut trees.
Activity Centre & Camping Area
Last but not least, is the activity centre and camping area, at the eastern-most end of the property, on the same flat area as the orchards.
The activity centre features a commercial kitchen and hall, sometimes used by our local church for pathfinder camps and youth gatherings.
Around the activity centre is a campfire area and ample space for camping.
History of Cedarvale
Cedarvale as a health retreat, began with a small team in 1990. However, the roots of this ministry, go all the way back to 1968 when Geoff Richardson founded this vision as a Christian Community Service.
In the last 10 years, Cedarvale has found a solid niche in the Australian health market, and now maintains a steady intake of health guests with varying needs and backgrounds.