Australia Festivals & Special Events Tours & Trip Packages

Australia Festivals & Special Events Tours & Trips

532 Australia trips. Tours from 140 tour companies. 297 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

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Festivals & Special Events
ANZAC Day Dawn Service 2024
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Gallipoli Peninsula, Istanbul

Highlights

  • Pay your respects to the fallen at Gallipoli a moving and educational experience regardless of your age or background.
  • Reflect and pay your respects at Lone Pine
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, CYDD (Çağdaş Yaşamı Destekleme Derneği). Donations help them provide scholarships and educational programs for economically disadvantaged youth in Turkey.

Themes

Cultural, Relaxing Retreats, Festivals & Special Events

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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The Kimberley - Cruising to the Australian Outback
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

King George Falls, Mitchell Falls

Highlights

  • Cross Cambridge Gulf and sail into Western Australian waters.
  • Discover the mighty King George aboard Explorer, a specially designed excursion vessel
  • Visit Tranquil Bay for beach walking and exploration.
  • Join the expedition leader on a walk across salt flats to view the wreckage of a US Air Force DC3, which crash landed on the beach during WWII.
  • After anchoring in Winyalken Bay travel ashore aboard Explorer to the maze of natural sandstone caves known as Hathaway's Hideaway
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Family Friendly, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise, Festivals & Special Events

What travelers are saying

"We particularly wanted to do this trip because of the abundance of wildlife we expected to encounter and selected this ship because they offered the kayaking experience. Overall, the weather was very good. Most people seemed like minded and were there for the adventurous experience. Accommodations Review They upgraded our cabin and we were very pleased with the amount of space and the amenities in the room. We appreciated the twin windows and being able to see humpbacks diving from our cabin. It was kept very clean and it was a treat to have our bed turned down with chocolates on the pillow each night. Meals Review We liked the variety and the quality of the food. There was always something new to try. The dining room staff was very professional and personable. Crew & Guides Review Solon was our Principal Trip Leader. He was incredibly professional and it seemed like he was constantly working to maximize the encounters with wildlife and scenery, taking advantage of all the weather opportunities and going to places that they don't often go. He worked very closely with the captain who was very accommodating and caring about us having a memorable voyage. Aymie and Andrew were our kayak guides. We went out to kayak 10 different times and were able to get to know both of them well. They worked hard to keep us safe and well informed. They made sure that we didn't miss out on any land excursions. We've had quite a few kayak guides over the years that we've paddled and we loved these two. Marla was the marine biologist aboard the ship. She was very enthusiastic and had a passion for marine mammals that was infectious. We loved listening to her presentations and looked forward to hearing her voice on the PA saying that there was another whale sighting. Colin, the geologist aboard the ship, was very knowledgeable and able to make difficult subjects understandable to the passengers. Itinerary Review The trip far, far, far, far, far, far exceeded our expectations. I had one "far" in the sentence when we left South Georgia Island after seeing 250,000 King Penguins at St. Andrews Point and added the second when we saw blue whales on two different days. The third "far" was added when we saw hundreds of whales for 6 hours along the iceberg, A68a. I added another "far" when we kayaked for over an hour with humpbacks all around and another "far" when minke whales were all around the kayaks the next day. The last "far" was added the day we didn't paddle since a leopard seal was all around the kayaks and then an orca came close. We had so many incredible experiences that we could never experience all of them in the same trip again. The guides told us that the close encounters that we had didn't happen very often and that we were very lucky that they all happened on our trip. The only thing that we didn't like was portions of the Drake Passage when it was a tad rough, but that experience gives us something to talk about. Transportation Review We made our transportation arrangements through another travel agency. Traveler Advice Make sure that you take sea sickness meds. Take advantage of every opportunity to see wildlife."

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Floral Festivals of Spring
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5/5 Excellent
3 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Canberra, Melbourne

Highlights

  • Enjoy the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers
  • Visit the magnificent Hunter Valley Gardens, located amongst the vineyards of the Hunter wine region
  • Travel through Sydney’s suburbs
  • Visit Corbett Gardens, home to the tulip display at the Bowral Tulip Festival, one of Australia’s oldest floral festivals
  • Marvel in the spectacular views over Canberra from the Telstra Tower at Black Mountain
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Themes

50 plus, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Festivals & Special Events

What travelers are saying

"Wonderful tour of all the Kimberley icons with a few relaxed days on Mount Hart Station. Lots of special moments such as sunset dinners! And lots of cool and refreshing waterholes to swim in! Loved the personal touches from Colin and Philip and the fabulous lookouts. The food was delicious the Chef at Mount Hart was world-class!"

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New Years in Australia & New Zealand
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Auckland, Melbourne, Queenstown, Sydney

Highlights

  • Joining in on one of the southern hemisphere’s best New Year’s Eve celebrations
  • Melbourne and Sydney’s sparkle and sophistication
  • The underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef
  • Intriguing Aboriginal and Maori culture
  • Iconic Ayers Rock
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Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Festivals & Special Events

What travelers are saying

"I made a reservation last Thursday (11/16/2023) for a trip to Iceland from 12/02/2023-12/07/2023 and then I was told that I can’t have my refund back. When I called on last Thursday (11/16/2023) to place my reservation, the agent (Kathy) I talked to stressed about she "cannot" guarantee that I will be able to go on the trip. Before I provided the payment information, I specifically asked if I will be able to get the refund because the trip is coming up so soon. The agent ensured that I will be able to get a full refund back within 60 days if I decided to cancel the trip. I was also told that I am basically on a wait list and someone will contact me once I can go on the trip. No one contacted me about whether the agency was able to process my information at all, so I've been left in the dark about this trip since the beginning. I called the help line this morning (11/20/2023) around 9:00 Eastern Standard Time to cancel my reservation. I was informed by the agent that I will not be able to get my full refund back since it's too close to the trip date. Basically I was told that Kathy gave me the wrong information, so I will have to pay the cancellation fee. The only reason I provided my payment information is because Kathy specifically stated that I will be able to cancel the trip and receive a full refund. I've never been so frustrated with a traveling agency. I made sure to ask this agent regarding the refund policy twice before giving her my payment information, and she still couldn't provide me with the correct information. It's unbelievable that such a big traveling agency cannot uniformly train their employees with the correct set of information."

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Solomon Islands- Gizo (New Year Dive Party)
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4.3/5 Great
6 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Solomon Islands, Sydney

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Scuba Diving, Festivals & Special Events

What travelers are saying

"Dive Adventures are so awsome they helped me organise an amazing island trip in the Solomon islands, was one of the best scuba trips iv ever done , the DA team where so helpful with flights and all bookings involved with the trip, now I only book scuba trips with them �"

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Coastal Wilds Of Tasmania Cruise - Premium Adventure
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Tasmania

Highlights

  • Spend two full days exploring the wilderness areas in Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour
  • Hike to Wineglass Bay and The Hazards in Freycinet National Park
  • Learn about the history of Maria Island as a penal colony
  • Visit Port Arthur, a Unesco World Heritage site
  • Admire dramatic 985ft (300m) tall coastal cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula
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Themes

Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

Trip dates & details
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Health Safety +

Generous cancellation

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The Complete South Pacific  - 2024
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
With a history that spans back to 1918, they have unparalleled expertise in the guided tour industry and can cater to all types of travelers.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Adelaide, Auckland, Cairns, Christchurch, Hobart, Melbourne, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Rotorua, Sydney, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Wellington

Highlights

  • At sunset, enjoy a champagne toast while gazing at Uluru.
  • Taste world-class wines during a private tour of Chateau Tanunda in the Barossa Valley.
  • Learn about the endangered Tasmanian Devil and the conservation efforts aimed at its survival.
  • See koalas in their natural setting during a stop at a koala conservation center.
  • Explore the Great Barrier Reef from a high-speed catamaran and choose from a collection of included activities.
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Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"It was a wonderful trip and experience! We are still sorting all the pictures and memories about it, and some of them I would like to share with you - read my diary about this trip! My Diary about our trip to South Dakota shorturl.at/efoX1"

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South Australia, Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy

Visits

Adelaide, Great Ocean Road, Melbourne

Highlights

  • Experience melbourne’s colourful laneways
  • Travel along the great ocean road and look out for the 12 apostles
  • Hike in grampians national park

Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

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Australia in 10 days - Cities & Sights of Eastern Oz - Superior
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By Exoticca
preferred
4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
Although they’re cheaper than other brands, they still make sure all parts of the trip, like hotels, meet a high minimum standard.
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bar, Blue Mountains, Cairns, Great Ocean Road, Melbourne, Sydney

Highlights

  • Cairns
  • Melbourne
  • Sydney

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"The trip was well laid out. Tour guides were friendly and knowledgeable. The only complaint is some of our travel documents that were sent out were not in English. If your sending documents out correspondence should be in both the native language and the language of the people the correspondence to. Other than that a great first time experience."

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Outback Safari
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By Trafalgar
preferred
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
Their travelers enjoy 24/7 travel expertise and dedicated service throughout the trips - everything is taken care of.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning

What travelers are saying

"Amazing service… kind and polite staff, well trained and knowledgeable travel director and local specialist, very good driver. We had another beautiful and memorable experience."

Trip dates & details
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Brisbane to Cairns Experience: Sand Dunes & the Whitsundays
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bar, Brisbane, Cairns, Everglades, Great Barrier Reef

Highlights

  • Kick back
  • Relax
  • And search for wildlife in noosa
  • Sail from island to island through the whitsundays on a maxi yacht
  • Connect with nature as you discover k'gari

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

Trip dates & details
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The Kimberley: Broome to Darwin Cruise- Premium Adventure
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

  • Experience the thrill of riding the Horizontal Falls in inflatable Zodiac tender vessels
  • Get up close to Montgomery Reef and discover diverse marine life
  • Experience King George River and King George waterfalls
  • Cruise the Prince Regent River to the ‘hanging garden’ King Cascades waterfall
  • Visit indigenous rock art galleries and learn about ancient Wandjina and Gwion Gwion art
Show more

Themes

Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

Generous cancellation

More
Outback Adventure (2024-2026)
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By Contiki
preferred
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
Their trips create life-long memories for young people setting off to discover the world.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Wheelchair Accessible
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"Could not be more happy with the tour! It didn't disappoint :)"

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5 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected. We are displaying some similar trips.
My selections:
Festivals & Special Events

Australia Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
297  Reviews
See all Australia tour reviews
Excellent
224
Great
42
Average
5
Disappointing
0
Terrible
0
C

Christopher

Aug 2018

Written on

I highly recommend Intrepid tours.

The two Intrepid treks I’ve been on (Peru and Papua New Guinea) are run by local people, and they took me to local places. I learnt something about locals’ lives; an...

S

Stefan

Jul 2018

Written on

Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!!

This trip was probably the hardest thing I have ever done, but the feeling of accomplishment once arriving at Owers' Corner can't be beaten. The porters are amazing ...

E

Emma

Oct 2015

Written on

Doing the Kokoda track was an amazing

Doing the Kokoda track was an amazing experience that I would recommend to anyone and there were many good things about the intrepid group however there were a few t...

K

Kylie

Sep 2015

Written on

The Kokoda Track trip was fantastic. It

The Kokoda Track trip was fantastic. It was very different to any other trip previously taken. The history and local knowledge was fabulous and the small trekking gr...

T

Trusted Customer

Aug 2023

Written on

The Northwest Passage - M/V Sylvia Earle

Beechy island, seeingpolar bears . Greenland .

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Australia Tour Selection Trips

  • Prepare for your Australia adventure with these essential travel tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. Australia's sun can be intense, so pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from UV rays.
  • Carry a reusable water bottle and drink plenty of fluids, especially if you're exploring the Outback or participating in outdoor activities.
  • Admire Australia's unique wildlife from a safe distance and never feed or approach wild animals.
  • Australia's weather can be unpredictable, so check the forecast and pack layers for varying conditions.
  • Be aware of dangerous creatures like snakes and spiders, particularly in rural and bush areas.
  • Heed warning signs at beaches and national parks and swim only in designated areas.
  • If driving, familiarize yourself with local road rules and be cautious, especially in remote areas.
  • Stay updated on local news and travel advisories, and register with your embassy or consulate.
  • Learn about and respect Australia's Indigenous heritage, traditions, and sacred sites.
  • Keep your phone charged and have emergency contact numbers, including local emergency services, at your tips.

Additional details

Different Types of Guided tours to Australia

As Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world, it’s safe to say there are a wide variety of guided tours you can take to see the country. You’ll be able to find around a dozen different themed tours of The Land Down Under, but below are four of the most popular. 

Overland: Most people wouldn’t be surprised to do an overland tour of a country. In Australia where the center of the country is the vastly uninhabited Outback, overland tour means something a little different. Overland tours of Australia take you deep into the Outback where you can go on exploratory safaris, discover old mining towns, and see the real remoteness of this part of the country. 

Cities: Australia’s main cities are mostly located on the coasts and each has its own flavor. Sydney is the thriving hub of the country, Melbourne is the artsy and hip city, Perth is the isolated city in the west, and Brisbane is the beach capital of the country.

Winetasting: Did you know Australia has some of the best wine in the world? They truly do. In the last decade, winetasting tours of Australia have grown in popularity taking you all over the country from the Margaret River to Barossa Valley where you can enjoy the wine of Australia while also taking in the breathtaking sights of the country.

Outdoor Adventures: One of the top tours of Australia are outdoor adventures. Australia has such a varying landscape that you can go surfing in one city, cave hiking in another, and spend the night underneath the stars on a safari in the next. Australia embraces the adventurous spirit with the countless outdoor activities and laidback nature of the people. 

Best Time to Visit

As with South America and parts of Africa, Australia’s weather is the reverse of countries such as the U.S., Canada, and England. Winter in the Northern Hemisphere is summer in Australia. This would normally mean going in December or February would be perfect, but even in Australia, the weather varies. 

The Gold Coast has consistent warm weather throughout the year. The Australian state of South Australia is at its prime during July and August when you can go whale watching. The Northern Territory during the summer is extremely hot and is better during the shoulder seasons. Late autumn is the best time to visit Australia’s wine region as there are often harvest festivals in May and April. 

The best time of year honestly depends on what type of tour you are on and what you want to see. If you are looking to see many different cities and regions of Australia, February and March may be a good option to avoid the warm north, the chilly winter, and the school kids that are off on holiday. 

Packing Suggestions

Like the best time to visit, what to pack for Australia depends on the where and what. If you are staying on the Gold Coast or in Sydney, packing plenty of swimsuits, sunscreen, shorts, and dresses is a good idea. Make sure to also include a couple of nice pieces of clothing if you are going out for a night on the town. 

For those braving an Australia winter, you may be surprised to find that it gets cooler than you think. On average, Australian winters bottom out at 50 degrees with some areas receiving strong winds. Make sure to include rain jackets, hats, and layers. For those going on adventure tours during the winter, make sure to include thermals and scarves as some areas may be very chilly. 

For medication, anything to help with jetlag may be key. Flights to Australia from the Western Hemisphere are no joke and can reak havoc on your body. Packing things such as Melatonin pills may help if you know you don’t do well with long flights. Something else to consider is motion-sickness pills. Overland tours through the Outback are rough and can be uncomfortable so it’s important to prevent any unwanted queasiness during your travels. 

Combining Australia with New Zealand

A common practice for travelers is to combine Australia with the nearby country of New Zealand. As flying to this part of the world from the Western Hemisphere or Europe can be expensive and exhausting, including both in a tour is a great way to see as much as you can. 

Since there is so much to see in both Australia and New Zealand, common tour lengths of this region are around 20 days. Anything less than 16-20 days and you may feel rushed and have traveled so far for such a short amount of time. 

Most tour operators split the tour time down the middle. New Zealand may be much smaller than Australia, but the country is full of unbelievable landscapes and outdoor activities that demand a longer stay. 

Often these tours may be themed or visit the main spots of each of the countries since there is only so much time and there is so much to see. Visitors should expect full itineraries and breathtaking views. 

Some of the travel days may be long, especially if you are flying across Australia. Also, since you will be visiting two countries, not every destination will be included. A tour may primarily focus on one region of Australia and New Zealand, instead of taking you through every region of both countries. 

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