Otford's valley setting has protected it from major development. Its proximity to the Royal National Park, an environmentally sensitive and protected area, means that any further development must be carefully planned to ensure the survival of native flora, fauna and wildlife corridors.

Tall eucalypts and the majestic, red-flowering Gymea Lily surround the area, attracting an abundance of birdlife. Many King Parrots, Rosellas and Lorikeets are tame enough to eat from your hand while wedge-tailed eagles and black cockatoos soar across the escarpment. Kangaroos, deer and the occasional echidna are also regular visitors.

Finding the perfect Tree Change to unwind and completely relax often means being in a remote location, isolated from services and amenities. Edenvale is close enough yet far enough to achieve the ideal balance. Stay cosied up by the fire, pop up the road to the shops, take a dip in the surf or commute to work. You're close enough to restaurants, sports venues and city attractions to still be part of the Sydney hub-bub yet a world away from the frenetic pace. Coming home to Edenvale will give you the release you've been seeking. It's a guaranteed relaxant.

When Robert "Bob" Harris was looking for disused railway tunnels to establish his mushroom business, he discovered the hidden village of Otford on the southern fringe of the Royal National Park and his own Garden of Eden. Naming the company Eden and building the family home on a large plot nearby, Robert Harris developed a thriving export business and, with his wife Joy, raised nine children in the district. Decades later, the homestead has gone and the land has been subdivided into four parcels, ready for the next pioneers to grow their memories

By Rail CityRail trains leave from Otford Train Station every hour on weekdays and every two hours on weekends. It's an hour to Sydney Central and 45 minutes to Wollongong. Express trains leave more frequently from nearby Helensburgh Station. For timetables, visit the CityRail website www.cityrail.info/timetable (Otford is serviced by the South Coast line).

By car Easy road access via Princes Highway or Royal National Park (Lady Wakehurst Drive). It's a 60-minute drive to Sydney and a 30-minute drive to Wollongong. Add another 20 minutes to travel through the scenic National Park. For a spectacular journey, take Grand Pacific Drive from Stanwell Park to Thirroul and experience the amazing Sea Cliff Bridge.

Primary School. Otford village hosts a small primary school of about 70 children, focusing on environmental education with smaller class sizes. Otford Public School has always enjoyed a strong bond with the local community which helps to contribute to the school's many successes. Other Educational Institutions. The valley's position affords good access and reliable links to many local secondary high schools and further education institutions. For more information visit: Otford Public school http://www.otfordweb.info/school Universtity of Wollongong http://www.uow.edu.au Illawarra Institute of Technology http://www.tafensw.edu.au

The Govinda Valley Spiritual Retreat has become one of Otford's main attractions, with regular yoga and meditation workshops revitalizing the world-weary. Restaurants & Shops The nearby villages of Helensburgh and Stanwell Park provide a great range of restaurants and retail services. Larger department stores are half an hour away, north to Miranda and south to Wollongong. Other local attractions include golf courses, (a driving range and two 18-hole courses), a bowls club, fishing and boating clubs, a Fitness Centre, a free 25-metre outdoor pool and what the area is best known for: hanggliding and paragliding. For more information visit: www.southcoastleisuretimes.com.au/illawarra/stanwell.html or www.nio.net.au.

• Edenvale is on the southern edge of the Royal National Park NSW
• Nestled in the bush by the beach
• Wake up to the fresh morning air, peace and tranquility
• Edenvale is a fully serviced land release in a quiet, rainforest setting
• Where nature is on your doorstep
• Edenvale plots have private access with a sandstone entry
• Majestic Ferns surround the area, attracting an abundance of birdlife
• The Royal National Park attracts bushwalkers and nature lovers
• And the area casts a meditative spell
• Children enjoy the small size classes at Otford Primary School
• And by train, it’s an hour to Sydney and 45 mins to Wollongong