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Australia & South Pacific

Queensland Vacations & Tours

  • Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef
  • Heart Reef, the Whitsundays
  • Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Brisbane
  • Gold Coast at Night
  • Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast

Why consider a visit to Queensland?

Australia’s ‘Sunshine State’ enchants both its natural beauty and its laid-back outdoor lifestyle. Boasting the world’s largest natural reef system doesn’t hurt its appeal either. The Great Barrier Reef stretches along more than half of Queensland’s coast. North Queensland’s treasures also spread inland with the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. The Great Barrier Reef stretches all the way to Queensland’s Whitsundays, a sailing paradise where near-untouched green islands dot azure waters that remain at perfect swimming temperatures year-round. Not to be overlooked, Southeast Queensland is a favourite getaway for many Aussies. Brisbane’s days as Australia’s provincial northern city are long gone. The state capital today is a cultural and economic powerhouse, with an appetite for outdoor living unmatched elsewhere in the country. To the south or north, either the Gold or Sunshine embody Australia’s surfing beaches at their finest, with a destination to suit everyone from the visitor-ready high-rise skyline of Surfers Paradise to the relaxed shores of Caloundra or Coolangatta.

Tropical Rain forest Waterfall in Queensland

What are the best cities to visit in Queensland?

Brisbane

Brisbane has now emerged as one of the fastest-growing cities and is the third-largest in Australia. It enjoys a sub-tropical climate all year round and is known as the “city of sunny days”. Brisbane is also the gateway to Queensland’s Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast with their excellent tourist facilities to be enjoyed on an Australia vacation. The city, with its hilly surface, has an attractive skyline through which the Brisbane River flows. A good way to see the city on trips to Australia is to take one of the many cruise boats that sail along the river. Enjoy dining on the riverside of Brisbane’s South Bank. For entertainment, bars and trendy cafes visit the city’s West End. To shop, head for the city centre at the Queen Street Mall.

A highlight is the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world’s first koala sanctuary where you can cuddle a koala bear, feed the Kangaroos and also become acquainted with the Tasmanian Devil. Another interesting site is Mount Coot-tha with its spectacular views of the city and excellent botanical gardens. For culture bugs, Brisbane has many excellent museums and art galleries to satisfy all tastes.

Discover more about vacations to Brisbane

Cairns

Cairns is a small city in the tropical north of Queensland and is best known as the Gateway to Great Barrier Reef, one of Australia’s most popular destinations. From Cairns, there is easy access to rainforests, tropical islands, reefs and mountains. Not far away, you can enjoy world-class diving or snorkelling getting close to schools of tropical fish and abundant marine life on your Australia vacation. In the city itself, go for a stroll along the Promenade and discover the very large saltwater lagoon in the centre of the city. Explore the picturesque coastal drive towards Port Douglas and board a catamaran to the Great Barrier Reef. Hop on the century-old scenic train to the rainforest village of Kuranda, famous for its markets, and experience an aboriginal “dream-time” walk and cultural performance.

Learn more about tours to Cairns

What are the top sights to visit in Queensland?

The Atherton Tablelands

This is a picturesque fertile plateau situated southwest of Cairns in Queensland. However, the terrain is varied and includes ancient forests, woodlands, wetlands and volcanic crater lakes. It is a veritable playground with so much to offer the visitor on an Australia vacation. The Tablelands are very important to the birdwatcher as it has over 500 different species of birds. It also has a selection of typical Australian wildlife including the unusual platypus and the tree kangaroo. The best way to see the Tablelands is to take a self-drive tour and take in some or all of the following highlights. Kuranda is a mountain village with excellent walking trails. Attractions here are river cruises, koala sanctuaries and the Skyrail rainforest cableway.

There are many other locations in the Atherton Tablelands which are well worth visiting in this fascinating region of Northern Queensland. Wooroonooran National Park contains the two highest mountains in Queensland and has an abundance of beautiful waterfalls plus there are 500 different species of trees. Millau again has magnificent photogenic waterfalls and panoramic lookouts. Lake Tinaroo is best seen by driving around it in order to appreciate its beauty. Facilities offered are fishing, water skiing and windsurfing. Granite Gorge is a very scenic location with a number of walking tracks and swimming holes. It is here one can feed the many tame wallabies and get to know them up close.

More information on the Atherton Tablelands

The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is “God’s gift to Australia”, a truly wondrous natural phenomenon. It is the world’s largest coral reef system with 2900 individual reefs and 900 islands located off the coast of Queensland in the Coral Sea. It stretches 2600 kilometres/1600 miles and is the world’s biggest single structure made by living organisms. It is a must-visit on an Australian vacation. There are several ways to view the Reef on Australian tours. You can enjoy a short cruise for a few days or simply take a glass-bottomed boat for a half-day outing to view the underwater treasures. It could be a difficult choice as to how to tackle the Great Barrier Reef but you can bet it will be a rewarding one.

Learn more about trips to the Great Barrier Reef here

The Whitsundays

The Whitsundays Islands are a popular tourist destination on Australia vacations off the central coast of Queensland and a collection of 74 islands spread across the Great Barrier Reef in the Coral Sea. Most of the islands are deserted but there are eight that offer accommodation and tourist facilities. They also all offer great beaches and an intimate atmosphere and can be visited either by taking a cruise or a stay-put Australia vacation. The Whitsundays are centred on Whitsunday Island but the commercial and most important island is Hamilton Island. Also, the largest of the Whitsunday Islands, of which 70% is a national park, Hamilton Island offers natural beauty and good scenic walks. There is also a quality golf course here. Hayman Island is the most northern island and is the epitome of a tropical paradise. Activities include everything from bushwalks to excellent diving and snorkelling. Daydream Island is a haven for wildlife lovers where it's possible to hand-feed stingrays, sharks, and fish, and where it is not unusual to see dolphins and turtles in the nearby waters. Long Island is closest to the mainland and is a great destination for hikers. Palm Bay is one of its secluded delights, showing off the Whitsundays at their very best. Airlie Beach is located on the mainland itself and is the jumping-off point for many Whitsunday and Great Barrier Reef excursions.

Discover more about tours to the Whitsundays here

The Sunshine Coast 

Just one hour north of Brisbane in Queensland is the region known as the Sunshine Coast – Australia’s best-kept secret and Queensland’s hidden gem. From the majestic Glass House Mountains to Noosa and the coloured sands of Rainbow Beach, the region includes over 100 kilometres/ 62 miles of pristine sandy beaches surrounded by the quiet beauty of coastal and hinterland villages. The Sunshine Coast offers you an Australia vacation abundant in nature with relaxed beach culture, The Sunshine Coast gets its name from this fact – it has an average of 300 days of sunshine per year. Leading attractions include Steve Irwin’s Zoo (also known as Australia Zoo), swimming along alongside humpback whales at Mooloolaba (July-October), and cruising the waterways and rivers of the Noosa Everglades, one of the most iconic resort towns on the Sunshine Coast is the stylish and popular Noosa, known as the relaxation capital of Australia. It offers everything visitors on trips to Australia could want, with pristine beaches, a stunning coastline, natural surroundings and contemporary alfresco dining options.

More information about Sunshine Coast trips

The Gold Coast

The Gold Coast, located 95 kilometres/60 miles south of Brisbane, is a major Australian tourist destination in Queensland. It has 60 kilometres/35 miles of coastline, year-round sunshine and a subtropical climate. It is also known as the entertainment capital of Queensland with long stretches of sandy beaches to be enjoyed on an Australia vacation. The three major beach areas are Surfers’ Paradise Beach, an excellent place for shopping with its 14 shopping centres, Main Beach a stylish resort with outstanding dining, cafes and shopping and Broad Beach known as a dining Mecca and which also has attractive pristine beaches. Only 85 kilometres/53 miles away is Lamington National Park known for its natural beauty with its rainforests, birdlife, bush trails, mountain views and more than 500 gushing waterfalls.

Learn more about trips to the Gold Coast

Best time to visit Queensland

Because of its geographical location, Brisbane enjoys weather that ranges from warm to hot all year round. This is for sun-seekers – don’t ever expect snow. There can be some humidity. February is the most humid month and September has the least. Summer is when the city has the highest rainfall with temperatures around 30 Celsius/86 Fahrenheit. Winter is generally mild and dry. Early mornings will be cool. Daytime temperatures average 22 Celsius/72 Fahrenheit. Fall and spring are nice times to be in Brisbane – almost no humidity and little rain with temperatures around 26 Celsius/79 Fahrenheit. 

Queensland's Gold Coast has a sub-tropical climate with around 300 days of sunshine per year. The same applies approximately to the Sunshine Coast. Whatever season you choose, you will enjoy the outdoor life in both places. In summer, the weather is fairly wet with high humidity which is offset by cool sea breezes.  Temperatures are around 28 Celsius/83 Fahrenheit. Winter is sunny and dry with cool nights and temperatures averaging 21 Celsius/70 Fahrenheit. Fall and spring have sunny days and again, cool nights and little rain and temperatures around 25 Celsius/77 Fahrenheit.  

Bear in mind, Cairns is located in the far north of Queensland and therefore has hot and humid summers and warm dry winters. This may be sufficient to make an informed decision but of course, we can’t all be flexible time-wise. Summer is the wet season and average temperatures reach 31 Celsius/88 Fahrenheit. Because winter has the pleasantest weather, it is the high season in Cairns when there is little rainfall and temperatures are around 26 Celsius/79 Fahrenheit. The fall is warm, day and night, with some wind and temperatures reaching 29 Celsius/85 Fahrenheit. Spring is when the humidity starts to rise with some rain towards the end of the season. Temperatures reach 31 Celsius/88 Fahrenheit.

Whether your Australia vacation is about adventure or relaxation, there’s a part of Queensland waiting to join your list of favourite destinations.

 

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FEATURED TRIP
  • Take a walk at Tropical Beach at Cape Tribulation during your next Australia tours.
  • Port Douglas' renown Four Mile Beach
  • Take a boat ride or snorkel through the Great Barrier Reef in Australia during your next trip to Australia.
FEATURED TRIP

Best of the Tropical North

FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: From Cairns experience easy access to tropical islands, rainforests, mountains, palm-fringed sands, beautiful beaches and the Great Barrier Reef, one of nature’s wonders of the world.

More Details

Queensland, Australia

  • Classic Australia: Melbourne, Red Centre, Cairns and Sydney

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Explore Australia’s most famous cities and natural wonders on this ideal introduction to the land Downunder. Connecting from Melbourne to Sydney, you’ll gaze upon the changing colours of Uluru, cruise the Great Barrier Reef, and go behind the scenes of the Sydney Opera House.
    Duration:
    12 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,972
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers), Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Essence of Australia with Airfare: Sydney, Rock and Reef

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Visit Australia’s must sees on this quintessential vacation. Drop anchor in Sydney’s famous harbour from the comfort of a luxury yacht. Discover the unique landscape, history and culture in Ayers Rock and then finish your vacation snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef.
    Duration:
    13 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,639
    Trip Type:
    Small Group Touring, Tailor-made Travel Ideas, Vacation Packages with Airfare
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Essence of Sydney & the Great Barrier Reef with Airfare

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Combine luxury accommodations and world-class landmarks on this Aussie vacation. Cruise Sydney Harbour and explore the rugged landscape of the Blue Mountains before connecting to Cairns to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef and explore the Daintree Rainforest.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,429
    Trip Type:
    Small Group Touring, Tailor-made Travel Ideas, Vacation Packages with Airfare
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Authentic Australia: Sydney to Melbourne

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Journey through the best of Australia on this unforgettable vacation that takes you from Sydney to Melbourne. Along the way, you’ll see Uluru/Ayers Rock, venture into Kakadu National Park, dive the Great Barrier Reef, and explore the Indigenous Dreamtime in Kuranda.
    Duration:
    16 Days
    Prices:
    On request
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers), Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Queensland Reefs, Beaches & Dolphins with Airfare

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Discover Queensland's unique treasures - explore the wonders of the Sunshine State. Enjoy the dazzling Gold Coast, hand feed wild dolphins, relax in Noosa before you dive in and experience the wondrous ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef and tropical rainforests.
    Duration:
    14 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,779
    Trip Type:
    Tailor-made Travel Ideas, Vacation Packages with Airfare
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Melbourne, Whitsundays & Great Barrier Reef with Airfare

    FIRST CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: See the highlights of Melbourne with a quintessential city tour that takes you to many of the city's historic sights. Next, fly to the Whitsundays and your stay on Hamilton Island, you'll be surrounded by pristine white beaches, and a kaleidoscope of coral and marine life. Hamilton Island is a perfect base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and world-famous Whitehaven Beach. End your vacation in Brisbane, the capital city of Brisbane and a great place to eat, drink, explore and do that last minute shopping! Queensland Shines on the great Aussie Vacation.
    Duration:
    12 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,879
    Trip Type:
    Tailor-made Travel Ideas, Vacation Packages with Airfare
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Best of Brisbane & the Great Barrier Reef

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Discover the best of Queensland on this 11-day Brisbane and Port Douglas vacation. Make unforgettable memories as you float along the Brisbane River to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, speed along Moreton Bay on a catamaran tour, sail across the Coral Sea to the Low Isles, and walk through the expansive Daintree Forest.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,399
    Trip Type:
    Tailor-made Travel Ideas, Vacation Packages with Airfare
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Essence of Sydney, Wildlife and the Reef

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: See many Australian icons on one essential tour. Drop anchor in Sydney’s famous harbour aboard a luxury yacht, get up close and personal with Australian wildlife on Kangaroo Island, snorkel through the Great Barrier Reef, and discover the natural beauty of the Daintree Rainforest.
    Duration:
    10 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,187
    Trip Type:
    Small Group Touring, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Sydney: East Coast, Islands and Rainforest: Guided Vacation

    MODERATE | ESCORTED COACH TOUR: Embark on a 12-day group coach tour with an experienced travel director and driver. Make your way from Sydney to Coffs Harbour, Surfer’s Paradise, the Great Barrier Reef, Fraser Island, Rockhampton, Airlie Beach, the Whitsunday Islands, and Cairns. Discover the countless beaches, waterfalls, rainforests, islands, and local wildlife that make Australia’s East Coast a must-visit destination.
    Duration:
    12 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 5,305
    Trip Type:
    Escorted Coach Touring, Single Friendly
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Ultimate Australia: Sydney, Uluru, Great Barrier Reef & more

    DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: This ultimate itinerary stands out amongst trips to Australia with some of its most distinctive destinations like Sydney, Ayers Rock, Cape Tribulation, and Lizard Island with equally unique and luxurious accommodation. Sail Sydney's famous harbour on a boutique yacht, experience signature touring in Australia's red centre, visit the Daintree rainforest with a private guide before ending your vacation on luxurious Lizard Island.
    Duration:
    12 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 10,342
    Trip Type:
    Luxury and Beyond, Private Experiences, Stays of Distinction, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Highlights of Downunder

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Discover the best of Australia and New Zealand’s culture, people and scenery from the cities of Sydney and Auckland to the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and Milford Sound. Experience Maori and Aboriginal cultures in with traditional feasts and dance.
    Duration:
    14 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,660
    Trip Type:
    Multi Country Vacation Ideas, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Rock & Reef

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: In just one week, experience two of Australia’s top attractions and natural wonders; the legendary and iconic outback and tropical North Queensland with its rainforests and stunning Great Barrier Reef. Visit the flying doctor service and see how medical aid reaches locals living in the remote outback. Witness the sunset over Uluru and the many shades of colour. Snorkel and swim on the dazzling Great Barrier Reef.
    Duration:
    7 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,595
    Trip Type:
    Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Classic Sydney, Rock & Reef

    MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Venture to three of Australia’s most famous spots, cosmopolitan Sydney, the outback and tropical Queensland. Get to know Sydney before catching the sunset over Uluru (Ayers Rock). Then explore Cairns, the rainforest and the incredible Great Barrier Reef.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,592
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers), Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Island Tracks

    FIRST-CLASS | RAIL: Enjoy riding the Spirit of Queensland Train as you travel from Cairns to Fraser Island stopping at Hamilton Island before heading to Sydney to see the incredible sights. Couple the best of Queensland’s tropical island escapes and brilliant beaches with iconic Sydney.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,158
    Trip Type:
    Rail Travel Ideas, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Auckland: Waltzing Matilda: Holiday of a Lifetime

    FIRST-CLASS | ESCORTED COACH TOUR: Embark on an unforgettable journey across Australia and New Zealand with the Waltzing Matilda Holiday of a Lifetime. As one of Goway’s premier tours, Waltzing Matilda showcases the icons of two remarkable nations, taking you from the harbour of Auckland to the Outback and Uluru/Ayers Rock to the Great Barrier Reef and includes the cosmopolitan cities of Melbourne and Sydney.
    Duration:
    20 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 12,739
    Trip Type:
    Bucket List Travel Ideas, Escorted Coach Touring, Holidays of a Lifetime, Multi Country Vacation Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • The Gold Coast Long Stay

    FIRST-CLASS | LONG STAY: The Gold Coast dares you to try everything it offers. Enjoy the warmth and sunshine, world-class theme parks and shopping, dig your toes into fine white sand, ride sparkling waves and explore the lush, subtropical hinterland.
    Duration:
    31 Days
    Prices:
    On request
    Trip Type:
    Bucket List Travel Ideas, Snowbird Long Stays
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Sunshine Coast Long Stay

    MODERATE | LONG STAY: The Sunshine Coast is a many-flavoured region of beautiful beaches, shining waterways and restful mountains. It gives you room to breathe; its natural beauty is still largely unspoiled and carefully protected; and it offers you an unsurpassed choice of attractions and activities (or non-activities if you've a mind to just laze around).
    Duration:
    31 Days
    Prices:
    On request
    Trip Type:
    Bucket List Travel Ideas, Snowbird Long Stays
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Classic Downunder: Auckland to Melbourne

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Get to know the true Downunder by experiencing the best of both Australia and New Zealand. Journey through New Zealand and Australia’s most spectacular sights including Rotorua, Milford Sound, Ayers Rock and the Great Barrier Reef, with exciting, cosmopolitan cities to create the perfect Downunder experience.
    Duration:
    19 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,964
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers), Multi Country Vacation Ideas, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    New Zealand See Trip Details

  • Ultimate Downunder: Auckland, Queenstown, Sydney, Great Barrier Reef

    DELUXE | PRIVATE GUIDED: On this incredible voyage exploring New Zealand and Australia, relax as you fly to breathtaking Milford Sound, sail iconic Sydney Harbour and unwind in the paradise that is Hayman Island, all while overnighting in world-class accommodations.
    Duration:
    12 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 5,759
    Trip Type:
    Bucket List Travel Ideas, Luxury and Beyond, Multi Country Vacation Ideas, Private Experiences, Small Group Touring, Stays of Distinction, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Cairns: Tropical Beaches and Reef: Guided Vacation

    MODERATE | ESCORTED COACH TOUR: Explore the countless tropical beaches and Great Barrier Reef on Australia’s east coast during this 9-day escorted coach tour. Make your way from Cairns to the Gold Coast with stops at Kuranda, the Atherton Tablelands, Airlie Beach, Sarina, Rockhampton, Fraser Island, and Hervey Bay. Enhance your trip with the expertise of your highly trained travel director and driver.
    Duration:
    9 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,320
    Trip Type:
    Escorted Coach Touring, Single Friendly
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Essence of Australia: Sydney, Rock and Reef

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Visit Australia’s must sees on this quintessential vacation. Drop anchor in Sydney’s famous harbour from the comfort of a luxury yacht. Discover the unique landscape, history and culture in Ayers Rock and then finish your vacation snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,491
    Trip Type:
    Small Group Touring, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Classic Sydney and Great Barrier Reef

    MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Visit the two of the most popular parts of Australia, particularly for first time visitors. Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and harbourside Sydney. See the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and more, snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef, then get to know the secrets of the rainforest.
    Duration:
    9 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,426
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers), Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Port Douglas Tropical Discovery

    MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Located on beautiful Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas offers a “village by the sea” atmosphere. Enjoy day trips to the Great Barrier Reef and Cape Tribulation while staying in Port Douglas.
    Duration:
    5 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 699
    Trip Type:
    Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Cairns Barrier Reef Discovery

    MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage Rainforests. Enjoy time on a wave piercing catamaran then board an amphibious army duck to venture into the rainforest.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 648
    Trip Type:
    Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Ultimate Retreats: Great Barrier Reef, Sydney & Kangaroo Island

    DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Head on a relaxing Aussie adventure that combines the best of natural encounters and luxury accommodations. Visiting Hamilton Island on the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney, and Kangaroo Island, you’ll stay in pampering deluxe hotels and lodges and experience a blend of Australia’s natural and cultural highlights.
    Duration:
    12 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 6,888
    Trip Type:
    Luxury and Beyond, Private Experiences, Stays of Distinction, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details
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