Explore Australia

Mary Boulton Pioneer Cottage: replica of a pioneer home and farm buildings with horse-drawn vehicles. Open by appt 2–4pm Wed–Sat; River St; (02) 6568 1280. Hotels: Star Hotel, River St, and Nambucca Hotel, Cooper St, both heritage buildings from late 1800s with many original features; both offer meals and accommodation. Nambucca MacNuts Factory: macadamia products at wholesale prices; Yarrawonga St.

Bowraville This unspoiled town has much to see with a National Trust–classified main street, the Bowra Folk Museum, Frank Partridge VC Military Museum, Bowra Art Gallery and many craft galleries. There are markets on 3rd Sun each month, regular races at the racecourse and the Bowraville Hinterland Festival each Oct. 16 km NW.

Mt Yarahappini Lookout: the highest point in Nambucca Valley with fabulous 360-degree views, in Yarriabini National Park; 10 km S. Scotts Head: coastal town with good beaches for surfing, swimming, fishing and dolphin-watching; 18 km SE. Pub with No Beer: built in 1896, this is the hotel that was made famous in Slim Dusty's song 'The Pub with No Beer', so named because it would often run out of beer before the next quota arrived. It is still largely in its original form and offers meals; 26 km SW. Bakers Creek Station: old cattle station, now an impressive resort offering horseriding, fishing, rainforest walking, canoeing and picnicking as well as accommodation; (02) 6564 2165; 30 km W. Local craft: featured in several shops and galleries in the area; leaflet from visitor centre.

South-West Rocks 20 km

When it comes to popularity, there are two types of fishing destinations: those that are hot all the time and those that wax and wane depending on the season. South West Rocks is in the first category. For as long as I... Find out more

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Coffs Harbour - Fishing Sub-region 49 km

My introduction to fishing north of Sydney was at Coffs Harbour, an area with a diverse range of options. The first time I fished here I was into land-based game and spent most of my time on the ledges of Mutton Bird... Find out more

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Lake Copeton 206 km

Lake Copeton has an excellent catchment area, fed by the Gwydir River and runoff from the New England Tablelands. The lake is about 46 km west of Inverell on the Gwydir Highway. Its dam wall was constructed primarily to... Find out more

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Port Stephens 234 km

 Port Stephens is about 220 km north of Sydney and offers a mixed bag of quality species. In the estuaries, bream, flathead, mulloway and whiting dominate the catch while beach anglers do well on tailor, whiting and... Find out more

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Houseboating on the Macleay River 42 km

Although large chugging houseboats can be an environmental no-no, Macleay River Houseboats at Kempsey are small – designed for just two people – use relatively clean four-stroke petrol motors, have... Find out more

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Cycling around Armidale and Coffs Harbour 49 km

A 5-kilometre bicycle track leads from Harris Park in Armidale to the University of New England. Bikes can be hired from Armidale Bicycle Centre or the University’s Sports Union. The 26-kilometre-return ride from... Find out more

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Sea Acres Nature Reserve 80 km

This cool coastal forest, 5 kilometres south of Port Macquarie, is great for a stop and a gentle stroll, with lush rainforest extending right down to the beach. There is a 1.5-kilometre wheelchair-accessible boardwalk,... Find out more

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Armidale Bicentennial Arboretum 122 km

Armidale Bicentennial Arboretum, a dozen blocks from the centre of town, has thousands of native plants, walking tracks, picnic shelters and aquatic gardens with a waterfall.... Find out more

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Birdwatching - Port Macquarie to Lismore 132 km

There are a couple of top birdwatching spots in the New England area. One of the most spectacular is an all-weather bird hide among masses of waterbirds at Quipolly Dam, about 18 kilometres north-east of Quirindi. Mother... Find out more

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Kayaking, Newcastle to Port Macquarie 170 km

Barrington Outdoor Adventure Centre at Gloucester offers an exciting one-day tour down the Barrington River. Guides can tailor the trip for beginners or family groups, choosing a quieter part of the river where there are... Find out more

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Barrington Tops National Park 199 km

Best known for its superb bushwalking among ancient Antarctic beech forest and rainforest that receives snow several times a year, this 83 403-hectare park is one of the highest spots on the Great Dividing Range and even... Find out more

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Burning Mountain Nature Reserve 231 km

Forget global warming for a while and marvel at this coal seam, about 30 metres underground, that has been burning as hot as 1700°C for an estimated 5500 years. A 3.5-kilometre walk to the top of the mountain through... Find out more

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Snorkelling and diving around Nelson Bay 235 km

Nelson Bay and surrounds offer some superb snorkelling and diving. Many locations are accessible by boat only, such as beautiful Broughton Island, but there are some exceptional shore dives and snorkelling – some... Find out more

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Diving and snorkelling around Byron Bay 239 km

Although there is not much in the way of shore dives or snorkelling around Byron Bay, the nearby Julian Rocks Marine Reserve is a top spot if you can get on a boat, with sea turtles, eagle rays, corals, grey nurse and... Find out more

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Bonville Golf Resort 40 km

Bonville is Australia’s most beautiful inland course. Carved from 250 hectares of flooded gums and blackbutt forest, with small pockets of subtropical rainforest, Bonville is often described as Australia’s... Find out more

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Pacific Dunes Golf Club 249 km

Advances in club and ball technology, aimed at helping players hit longer and straighter, have had a big effect on golf course architecture since the early 1990s. Many new developers have urged designers to stretch... Find out more

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Dangerous Dan’s Butchery

It may seem a little unusual to feature a butcher, but only if you haven’t tasted the sausages. They are heaven. Staff here are a delight and can tell you everything there is to know about their famous product.... Find out more

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Short Order Cafe

This local favourite serves excellent coffee – reputed to be the best in town – and cafe fare in relaxed, inviting surroundings. All of the cakes are made on the premises, and the banana bread and the fluffy... Find out more

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The Little Brewing Company 83 km

Australia’s new breed of brewer can arrive at the craft by sometimes circuitous routes. For Warwick Little, that included 20 years as an ambulance officer, home brewing, a wine science course and a pair of... Find out more

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Stone and Wood Brewing 239 km

The popular coastal holiday destination of Byron Bay is the location for one of the country’s newest and most exciting craft breweries – Stone & Wood. The partners behind the venture include a trio of... Find out more

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Murray's Craft Brewing Company 246 km

But there’s a-nothing so lonesome, morbid or drear, Than to stand in the bar of a pub with no beer. So sang the late country singing legend Slim Dusty and, more importantly, the words of the famous song were penned... Find out more

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Trial Bay Gaol camping ground 24 km

This is a spectacular camping area on a sheltered surf beach, accessed via Cardwell St in South West Rocks. It’s well appointed, with coin-operated showers, powered and unpowered sites, electric barbecues, a kiosk... Find out more

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Smoky Cape camping area 29 km

To reach this small campground nestled in the rainforest at Smoky Cape, turn onto Arakoon Rd from South West Rocks Rd and head for Smoky Cape Lighthouse. Bring your own firewood and drinking water. There are plenty of... Find out more

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Sawtell Beach Caravan Park 42 km

This well-appointed caravan park is on Lyons Rd, about 8 km south of Coffs Harbour. You’ve got easy access to the beach and a wide range of accommodation options, including powered and unpowered sites, villas and... Find out more

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Hungry Gate camping area 43 km

Tucked in behind sand dunes and ringed with heath and woodland, Hungry Gate is an attractive camping area just a hop, skip and jump from the ocean. It’s 5 km south of Hat Head village – follow Hungry Rd off... Find out more

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Bindarri camping area (bush camping) 46 km

Walk-in bush camping is possible throughout the park – facilities such as toilets, picnic tables and wood fireplaces are only available at Bindarray and Bangalore picnic areas, so you’ll need to be... Find out more

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Blackbird Flat Reserve camping 55 km

This is a spacious, friendly and free camping area on the banks of the Macleay River. Follow the Kempsey–Armidale Rd from Kempsey. There’s fishing, swimming, mountain-biking and canoeing on offer – and... Find out more

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Bush camping 55 km

Self-sufficient campers armed with detailed, up-to-date topographic maps can access a number of good spots throughout the forest, either on foot, horseback or mountain bike.... Find out more

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Thungutti Rest Area 56 km

The campground at Thungutti includes gas and wood barbecues (firewood supplied). Cars have to be parked a short distance from the campsites. There are 18 sites; booking is not essential but fees apply. Firewood is... Find out more

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Park Entrance Rest Area 58 km

For those with caravans, there’s a basic camping site at Styx River, about 2 km outside the park entrance along Point Lookout Rd. Bush camping is also permitted; you must camp at least 500 m from park facilities.... Find out more

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Hyatts Flat camping area 60 km

This is 2WD access in dry weather only, and it’s suitable for self-sufficient campers only as it’s pretty thin on facilities and not officially managed as a camping site. You’re advised to bring your... Find out more

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Nambucca River Tourist Park 2 km

About 6 km north of Macksville just off the Pacific Highway, this neat, family-owned park is adjacent to the Nambucca River. It is ideal for an overnight stop or a couple of days. Bookings are required in peak periods,... Find out more

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White Albatross Holiday Centre 11 km

This is a quality park in a prime position next to a lagoon and near the mouth of the Nambucca River. It boasts a very good restaurant as well as a range of other features. Bookings are required in peak periods and a... Find out more

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Stuarts Point Holiday Park 15 km

This is a nicely located beachside park that is very popular during the holidays. It is a lovely quiet spot out of the peak periods. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies at Christmas... Find out more

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BIG4 Trial Bay Eco Tourist Park 25 km

This is a very pleasant park located close to the historic Trial Bay Gaol. The owner operators are keen to please and offer a range of quality facilities. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay... Find out more

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Urunga Heads Holiday Park 25 km

On the river estuary at Urunga, this park is an excellent overnight stop. It is far enough off the highway to be quiet and has an excellent outlook, with a shopping centre nearby. The park is busy in peak periods and... Find out more

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Sawtell Beach Caravan Park 41 km

This large, spacious park has a wonderful outlook over the ocean and is just a short walk from Sawtell shopping centre. A pool is just across the road. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay... Find out more

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Park Beach Holiday Park 50 km

This is a large beachfront council park 4 km from the centre of town and close to the popular jetty precinct. The park boasts a wide range of facilities and is very popular during peak holiday periods, when bookings are... Find out more

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Crescent Head Holiday Park 53 km

This is a large beachside caravan park close to the town centre. Crescent Head is small, making it easy to walk to the shops, the bowling club or the golf club. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length... Find out more

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Split Solitary Beach Holiday Park 58 km

A lovely, shady beachside park south of Moonee Beach, 9 km north of Coffs Harbour. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies at Christmas and Easter. Pets are only allowed in the off-peak... Find out more

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Moonee Beach Holiday Park 60 km

This popular beachfront caravan park has basic facilities, but does have a tennis court and open grassy sites with views out to sea. Swimming is good, as are the nature walks around the reserve. Bookings are required in... Find out more

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Jacaranda Country Lodge

Jacaranda Country Lodge offers comfortable B&B accommodation on 100 hectares of picturesque pastoral countryside. There are 12 comfortable guest rooms, as well as a self-contained two-bedroom cottage. The variety of... Find out more

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Lily Pily Country House, Bellingen 27 km

The owners of this stylish B&B have spent seven years revegetating and securing wildlife corridors along the riparian zone here, planting some 4000 trees and 2000 reeds, resulting in an increase in bandicoots,... Find out more

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Emerald Valley Villa 238 km

Nestled in the hinterland some 25 minutes drive from Byron Bay, this is way up the high end of ecotourism in this country. You can rent your own five-star palace (they call it a villa), complete with pool, courtyard,... Find out more

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Banjo’s Bushland Retreat, Vacy 244 km

With three self-contained lodges of various sizes and a recreation room that includes an environmental centre, this eco-accredited resort keeps nature as its focus. Even the nine-hole minigolf course weaves around the... Find out more

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Macksville Park Area

North side of the river Parking area just off the highway. GPS: S30 42.236 E152 55.238... Find out more

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Gumma Reserve Camp Area 6 km

T/O at Macksville Large campground located 7 kilometres east of the highway via Partridge Street, Wills Street and Gumma Road. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S30 42.425 E152 58.999... Find out more

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Paddys Rest Area 13 km

39 km N of Kempsey (L) or 45 km S of Urunga (R) Secluded area just off the highway. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S30 48.771 E152 52.247 ... Find out more

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Bloodwood Ridge Rest Area 52 km

109 km N of Taree (L) northbound only Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S31 09.892 E152 49.178  ... Find out more

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Kundabung Rest Area 56 km

15 km S of Kempsey (L) southbound only Large area just off the highway. Good facilities.   GPS: S31 12.198 E152 49.384 ... Find out more

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Woolgoolga Rest Area 71 km

Middle of town Small parking area just off the highway. GPS: S30 06.797 E153 11.436... Find out more

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Motorway Park Area 84 km

73 km N of Taree (R) or 47 km S of Kempsey (L) Highway Service Centre. GPS: S31 27.757 E152 49.188... Find out more

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Halfway Creek Rest Area 87 km

28 km N of Woolgoolga (R) or 32 km S of Grafton (L) Large area just off the highway near the roadhouse. GPS: S29 56.102 E153 05.709   ... Find out more

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Ellenborough Reserve Camp Area 92 km

T/O 34 km W of Wauchope (R) or 130 km E of Walcha (L) Large grassed area 1 kilometre north of the highway on the riverbank. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S31 26.437 E152 27.678  ... Find out more

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Burrawan Rest Area 95 km

62 km N of Taree (L) northbound only Secluded area just off the highway. GPS: S31 33.103 E152 45.266 ... Find out more

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Glenugie Creek Rest Area 103 km

45 km N of Woolgoolga (L) or 15 km S of Grafton (R) Large area just off the highway behind a few trees. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S29 47.091 E153 00.522   ... Find out more

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Stockyard Creek Rest Area 104 km

81 km W of Wauchope (L) or 83 km SE of Walcha (R) Small area just off the highway surrounded by dense forest. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S31 24.10 E152 07.26  ... Find out more

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McPhillips Creek Rest Area 107 km

50 km N of Woolgoolga (R) or 10 km S of Grafton (L) Large area just off the highway behind a few trees. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S29 44.599 E152 59.460   ... Find out more

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Tia Falls Camp Area 114 km

T/O 129 km NW of Wauchope (R) or 35 km SE of Walcha (L) Small, secluded campground located 6 kilometres north of the highway in a pleasant forest setting near the falls in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. Good... Find out more

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Stoney Creek Rest Area 117 km

141 km NW of Wauchope (L) or 23 km SE of Walcha (R) Small area adjacent to the highway on the banks of the creek. GPS: S31 04.594 E151 46.655... Find out more

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Tia River Rest Area 117 km

128 km NW of Wauchope (L) or 36 km SE of Walcha (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S31 11.271 E151 49.858... Find out more

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Apsley Falls Camp Area 117 km

T/O 145 km NW of Wauchope (R) or 19 km SE of Walcha (L) Large campground is situated 1 kilometre north of the highway in a pleasant bush setting near the falls in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. Good facilities and... Find out more

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Tom Cat Creek Rest Area 120 km

33 km N of Taree (L) or 87 km S of Kempsey (R) Small area just off the highway around a few trees. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S31 45.884 E152 40.291   ... Find out more

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Coopernook Forest Camp Area 123 km

T/O 30 km N of Taree or 90 km S of Kempsey via Moorland Large grassed campground surrounded by forest located 5 kilometres west of the highway via Forest Road. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S31 47.330... Find out more

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Walcha East Rest Area 127 km

159 km NW of Wauchope (R) or 5 km SE of Walcha (L) Large open area just off the highway. GPS: S31 00.477 E151 38.171  ... Find out more

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Mann River Rest Area 130 km

115 km E of Glen Innes (R) or 45 km W of Grafton (L) Small area with good views over the Mann River. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S29 34.652 E152 33.417... Find out more

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Thunderbolts Rock Park Area 139 km

82 km N of Tamworth (R) or 29 km S of Armidale (L) Small area just off the highway. GPS: S30 41.726 E151 28.157... Find out more

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Maclean Park Area 140 km

At Ferry Park Small area on the riverbank just off the highway. GPS: S29 28.366 E153 12.318... Find out more

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Mulligans Hut Camp Area 143 km

T/O 69 km E of Glen Innes (R) or 91 km W of Grafton (L) Small secluded campground situated in a natural bush setting 9 kilometres south of the highway in Gibraltar Range National Park. Good facilities and shade. NOTE:... Find out more

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Boundary Falls Camp Area 146 km

T/O 60 km E of Glen Innes (L) or 100 km W of Grafton (R) Small secluded campground 2 kilometres north of the highway in the forest of Gibraltar Range National Park. Good facilities and shade. NOTE: Unsealed access. ... Find out more

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Four Mile Hill Rest Area 146 km

65 km N of Bulahdelah (L) northbound only Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S31 57.781 E152 27.925 ... Find out more

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Kentucky Rest Area 147 km

72 km N of Tamworth (L) or 39 km S of Armidale (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. Good shade. GPS: S30 45.189 E151 23.039... Find out more

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Bellbird Camp Area 149 km

T/O 73 km E of Glen Innes (L) or 87 km W of Grafton (R) Small campground 4 kilometres north of the highway in a secluded bush setting deep in the forest of Washpool National Park. Good facilities and shade. NOTE:... Find out more

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