Only 18 miles south of Sydney, Royal National Park encompasses over 40,200 acres of land with 93 miles of walking tracks, beach access and picnic and camping areas. For Sydney residents, the park offers an easy daytrip out of the city.

Likewise for our students, Royal gave an opportunity to experience one of the park’s main advantages as a recreational outlet.

On the Walumarra Track, students hiked through four vegetation zones while discussing management techniques and the affects of urban interfacing with guide Sandra, pictured right.

Stopping for lunch in the sub-tropical rainforest, students perched by a creek as Sandra pointed out characteristics of the zone, such as the presence of epiphytes, vines and buttressed roots.

But the unexpected treat came at the end of lunch when Eleanor from AUIP pulled out an Aussie dessert staple: Tim Tams! A few students are already hooked on the chocolate cookie, or biscuit, as Aussies would say. So much so that some students decided to forget their healthy eating and grab a second Tim Tam.

For AUIP Australia program alumni, post a comment and let everyone know what your favorite Tim Tam flavor is!