Explore Australia

Hinchinbrook Heritage Walk and Drive: displays at each historic site in Ingham and the nearby township of Halifax illustrate the dynamic history of the shire. It starts at the Shire Hall in Ingham; brochure available from visitor centre. Memorial Gardens: picturesque waterlily lakes and native tropical vegetation. They include Bicentennial Bush House with displays of orchids and tropical plants (open weekdays); Palm Tce.

Girringun (Lumholtz) National Park The Wallaman Falls section (50 km W) is in the Herbert River Valley and features waterfalls, gorges and tropical rainforest. See the crimson rosellas on the 4 km return walk from the Falls Lookout to the base of Wallaman Falls – look out for platypus and water dragons. Take a scenic drive around the Mt Fox section of the park (75 km SW) or walk the 4 km return ascent to the dormant volcano crater. There are no formal tracks and the ascent is for experienced walkers only. 4WD is recommended in both sections during the wet season; see Cardwell for northern parts of park; (07) 4066 8601 (same number for other national parks in area); 20 km nw.Paluma Range National Park The Jourama Falls section of the park (24 km S) is at the foothills of the Seaview Range. Walk the 1.5 km track through rainforest and dry forest to the Jourama Falls Lookout (take care crossing the creek) to see the vibrant birdlife including azure kingfishers and kookaburras. The Mt Spec section of the park (40 km S) features casuarina-fringed creeks in the lowlands and rainforest in the cooler mountain areas. Drive to McClelland's Lookout for a spectacular view and take the 2 short walks from there to see the varied park landscapes; 49 km S.

Orpheus Island National Park: this rainforest and woodland park is a continental resort island in the Palm Islands surrounded by a marine park and fringing reefs. Snorkel and dive off the beaches or take in the wildlife on the short track from Little Pioneer Bay to Old Shepherds Hut; access is by private or charter boat from Lucinda or Taylors Beach. There’s a 5-star resort (maximum 74 people) or bush camping (maximum 54 people); camping permits from Ingham parks office; 35 km E.

Tyto Wetlands: 90 ha of wetlands with birdlife and wallabies. See the rare grass owl from the viewing platform; outskirts of town. Cemetery: interesting Italian tile mausoleums; 5 km E. Forrest Beach: sandy 16 km beach overlooking Palm Islands. Stinger-net swimming enclosures are installed in summer; 20 km SE. Taylors Beach: popular family seaside spot for sailing with excellent fishing and crabbing in nearby Victoria Creek; 24 km E. Hinchinbrook Island National Park: resort island to the north-east; sea access from Lucinda; 25 km NE; see Cardwell. Lucinda: coastal village on the banks of the Herbert River at the southern end of the Hinchinbrook Channel. Take a safari or fishing tour through the channel. Stinger-net swimming enclosures are installed in summer; 27 km NE. Broadwater State Forest: swimming holes, walking tracks and birdwatching; 45 km W.

Russell Heads 159 km

Russell Heads is the junction and estuary system of the Russell and Mulgrave Rivers, south of Cairns. I was fishing with Kieran Livingstone who had a Cairns Custom Craft aluminium, a solid boat ideal for river and... Find out more

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Lake Tinaroo 175 km

Lake Tinaroo is built across the Barron River Gorge in the Atherton Tablelands; about two hours’ drive from Cairns via Gordonvale and Yungaburra. The lake was the first of Queensland’s impoundments stocked... Find out more

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Trinity Inlet 190 km

The Cairns region offers more than gamefishing. South of the city are rivers like the Russell and Mulgrave; to the north are the Daintree and Mowbray Rivers. Anglers heading inland will find opportunities like the famous... Find out more

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Cairns 196 km

Many international game anglers regard Cairns as the game fish capital of the world, with plenty of big black marlin – the Holy Grail of gamefishing. Granders or Julies, call them what you will, these huge female... Find out more

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Julatten 244 km

Fishing is where you find it, and sometimes you find it in unlikely places. Between Mount Molloy and Mossman in the Rex Ranges at a place called Julatten, I came across a couple of people fishing in a pond. I pulled over... Find out more

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Hiking the Thorsborne Trail 36 km

The 32-kilometre Thorsborne Trail is a classic tropical bushwalk that weaves along the east coast of the 393-square-kilometre Hinchinbrook Island National Park. There is a maximum of 40 people allowed on the track at a... Find out more

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Swimming around Townsville and Cairns 39 km

Not far from Townsville there are a couple of popular swimming holes: Big Crystal Creek near Mutarnee, the icy Little Crystal Creek on the road to Paluma, and under the Rollingstone Bridge. Near Tully, you can cool off... Find out more

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Bushwalking around Townsville and Cairns 45 km

This entire region offers great delights to bushwalkers, although you are likely to get damp, either from the humidity or from a tropical shower (it is not called ‘rainforest’ for nothing). The Rainforest and... Find out more

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Bushwalking on Magnetic Island 92 km

Magnetic Island has about 25 kilometres of walking tracks, many with outstanding views of the coast, or ending at isolated beaches. Do not miss the 2-kilometre Forts Walk, with a good chance of seeing a koala or two, and... Find out more

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Reef HQ, Townsville 97 km

This eco-accredited, non-profit aquarium is a great spot to go before or after you visit the reef itself, as it will introduce you to some of the main characters out there and give you lots of great information about... Find out more

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Cheese-tasting - Millaa Millaa 138 km

In the lush highlands of Millaa Millaa, overlooking Mount Bartle Frere, the certified biodynamic Mungalli Creek Dairy has a superb range of organic cheeses and yoghurts for sale and tastings. You can watch the delectable... Find out more

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Savannahlander 195 km

This small two- or three-carriage train heads out across the savannah country from Cairns to Forsayth on a four-day round trip, allowing you to get off at towns and see key places, such as Undara, along the way. You can... Find out more

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Wildlife experience - Cairns 210 km

Combine several of the Cairns area’s main wildlife attractions into one seamless day out: the Kuranda Scenic Railway, Skyrail, Kuranda Koala Gardens, Birdworld and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. Book through... Find out more

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Chillagoe Observatory and Eco Lodges 240 km

Join a guided tour of the heavens, with closeup views of nebulas and star clusters from two large telescopes. There is camping and cabin accommodation here as well.... Find out more

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Paradise Palms Country Club 212 km

‘Paradise’ is appropriately named. Situated 25 minutes north of Cairns, and just off the Captain Cook Highway, this is a beautiful golf course. The rainforest-covered Great Dividing Range dominates the... Find out more

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Sea Temple Golf & Country Club 246 km

Technological advancements in agronomy and construction equipment have opened up new frontiers and landscapes for golf course designers during the past 40 years. One course designer who has never shirked a tough... Find out more

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Noorla Heritage Resort

Although the architecture is Italianate, this resort has gone rather British colonial with its Ceylon Tea Rooms serving tiffin, a tapas bar, and a verandah restaurant that also serves up a highly praised curry, thanks to... Find out more

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Townsville Brewing Company 97 km

Based in an historic former post office building, Townsville Brewing Company has been brewing six regular beers (Townsville Bitter, Lager Lout, Burdekin Gold, Digger’s Pale Ale, Ned’s Red Ale and... Find out more

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Blue Sky Brewery 195 km

After a significant period between drinks, Cairns once again has a working brewery with the opening of Blue Sky Brewery in 2008. Located in the heart of the city, the microbrewery, bar and restaurant complex has six... Find out more

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Jourama Falls camping area 24 km

This campground, beside Waterview Creek, is about 300 m from the entrance to the national park. Nearby Jourama Falls Lookout Walk (3 km return, 1 hr) leads through dry open forest of poplar gum, bloodwood and Moreton Bay... Find out more

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George Point camping area (walk-in camping) 25 km

This campground for self-sufficient campers is 7.5 km south of Mulligan Falls at the southern trackhead of the Thorsborne Trail. Water can be collected from Mulligan Falls. A maximum 2-night stay applies.... Find out more

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Mulligan Falls camping area (walk-in camping) 29 km

With a 1-night maximum stay, Mulligan Falls campground is 7.5 km south of Zoe Bay and 1 km south of Diamantina Creek. Water from the nearby creek must be boiled or treated before drinking. Bring all self-sufficient... Find out more

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Broadwater camping area 30 km

Endangered riparian rainforest lines the clear waters of Broadwater Creek, and open eucalypt forest dominates the visitor areas in Broadwater campground, 47 km west of Ingham and 16 km of unsealed road from the forest... Find out more

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Sunken Reef Bay camping area (walk-in camping) 31 km

There are no facilities at this campground east of Diamantina Creek and 6.5 km south of Zoe Bay. Water from the nearby creek must be boiled or treated first. The maximum stay is 2 nights.... Find out more

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Bush camping 31 km

Contact QPWS Cardwell for details of remote bush camping on the island’s east coast.... Find out more

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East Coast camping areas 1 (boat-based camping) 32 km

East Coast camping locations accessed by private boat only include the beach opposite Agnes Island, Banksia Bay, George Point, Mulligan Bay, Banshee Bay, South Zoe Bay, Sunset Beach and Sunken Reef Bay. Boat access is... Find out more

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East Coast camping areas 2 (sea-kayaking-based camping) 34 km

East Coast locations accessed by sea-kayak include the beach opposite Agnes Island, Banksia Bay, Blacksand Beach, Banshee Bay, George Point, Mulligan Bay, North Zoe Bay, Sunken Reef Bay and Sunset Beach. Bring your own... Find out more

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North Zoe Bay camping area (boat-based camping) 34 km

The North Zoe Bay camping area has no facilities and there is a maximum 2-night stay. Access is by private boat only, subject to weather conditions. Bring all self-sufficient supplies.... Find out more

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Lake Paluma camping area 34 km

Surrounded by World Heritage rainforest, Lake Paluma (12 km north-west of Paluma) is a popular spot for swimming, canoeing or kayaking, so bookings are essential. The lake is a well-known wildlife-watching area, with... Find out more

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Wanderers Holiday Village 22 km

Close to the centre of town, this park is a popular holiday destination for those keen on fishing. There are covered barbecues and a boat parking area. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Cardwell Beachcomber 46 km

The park is centrally located just a short distance from the centre of town and across the road from the beach (ideal for fishing). The park has good facilities and a licensed restaurant/cafe in the attached motel.... Find out more

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Rollingstone Beach Caravan Resort 47 km

This is a very new park with a fabulous beachfront outlook. It has a wide range of facilities, a selection of sites and a camping area. It does lack shade, but would be a great winter destination. Bookings are required... Find out more

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Googarra Beach Caravan Park 72 km

The park, close to Tully Heads, has a cafe and a well-stocked shop and also sells fuel. This is a convenient overnight stop or a good base for exploring the area. Bookings are required in peak periods. Pets are not... Find out more

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Beachcomber Coconut Caravan Village 79 km

Mission Beach is a dream holiday destination and this park is the perfect place to stay. It is set in a fabulous location just across the road from the beach. The shops are within walking distance. Bookings are required... Find out more

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BIG4 Townsville Woodlands Holiday Park 84 km

This is a spacious park located about 15 km north of the city alongside the Bruce Highway. We find it a convenient friendly place to stop, and often stay here overnight. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Mission Beach Hideaway Holiday Village 87 km

This is an excellent park at the heart of a very popular tourist destination and just a short walk to the beach, the shops or the local restaurants. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Rowes Bay Caravan Park 93 km

This good-quality, owner-operated park is in a quiet off-highway location on the waterfront, ideal for a longer stay.... Find out more

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King Reef Resort 96 km

This beachside caravan park is part of a hotel complex. It has good basic facilities and is very popular during holiday periods. Meals and normal hotel services are available. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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BIG4 Walkabout Palms Holiday Park 101 km

This is a good quality park with extensive facilities. Easy to find, it is behind the roadhouse near the junction of the Bruce and Flinders highways. There are a couple of dining opportunities within walking distance.... Find out more

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Noorla Heritage Resort

A totally unexpected and recently restored delight in the heart of the tropics, Noorla is a grand Italian Art Deco villa built in 1923 on a hectare of land. The villa has backpacker dormitories and 18 heritage rooms and... Find out more

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Hidden Valley Cabins, Hidden Valley 39 km

Acclaimed as being Australia’s first completely solar-powered resort, with a restaurant, pool and room for 31 guests, this serious environmental resort is in secluded dry forest well off the Bruce Highway. It is... Find out more

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Hinchinbrook Island Wilderness Lodge and Resort 50 km

Revolutionary in terms of minimal-impact tourism when it was first established in 1974, this classy resort has no more than a toehold on the 393-square-kilometre Hinchinbrook Island, and you can hardly see the treetop... Find out more

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Bungalow Bay Koala Village 91 km

Declared Australia’s best backpacker accommodation, this low-key eco-accredited resort, with pool and family-style restaurant, has 2.8 hectares of camping area and 30 A-frame bungalows, 25 of which are... Find out more

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Possum Valley Rainforest Cottages 147 km

Near Millaa Millaa, the two secluded bush cabins here, on 62 hectares of bushland and rainforest, can sleep up to eight people each, and are completely powered by solar technology and a small water turbine in Possum... Find out more

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The Canopy, near Malanda 149 km

Located at Tarzali, this place comprises six beautiful glass and timber treehouses set in 40 hectares of rainforest that has never been logged, with Lumholtz tree-kangaroos creeping around, green ringtail possums,... Find out more

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Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat 156 km

By renting out nine elegant eco-accredited treehouses (near Malanda), the owners have funded a massive weed-clearing and revegetation program – including planting 20 000 trees – on their 92-hectare property,... Find out more

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Kingfisher Park Birdwatcher’s Lodge 243 km

Guaranteed to get keen birdwatchers excited, this eco-accredited establishment at Julatten is renowned as one of the best birdwatching spots north of Cairns, with rare endemic species seen around the pool. For six months... Find out more

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Frances Creek Rest Area 12 km

100 km N of Townsville (L) or 11 km S of Ingham (R) Large area adjacent to the road. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S18 44.533 E146 08.159... Find out more

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Jourama Falls Camp Area 24 km

T/O 88 km N of Townsville (L) or 23 km S of Ingham (R) Small secluded campground situated 6 kilometres east of the highway in the forest of Paluma Range National Park. Good facilities and shade. NOTE: Booking... Find out more

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Five Mile Creek Rest Area 37 km

45 km N of Ingham (L) or 8 km S of Cardwell (R) Secluded area located 700 metres west of the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S18 19.387 E146 02.439... Find out more

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Cardwell Park Area 44 km

Middle of town Parking area on the foreshore. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S18 16.159 E146 02.051... Find out more

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Balgal Beach Camp Area 48 km

T/O 52 km N of Townsville (R) or 59 km S of Ingham (L) Small foreshore campground located 5 kilometres east of the highway at the northern end of the road through the village. Good facilities but only limited shade. ... Find out more

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Rollingstone Rest Area 51 km

53 km N of Townsville (R) or 58 km S of Ingham (L) Large grassed area well off the highway accessed via the service road through Rollingstone. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S19 02.732 E146 23.664... Find out more

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Toomulla Beach Camp Area 59 km

T/O 43 km N of Townsville (R) or 68 km S of Ingham (L) Small grassy camp area located 2 kilometres east of the highway on the foreshore at the south end of the village. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S19 05.0013... Find out more

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Bilyana Rest Area 64 km

21 km N of Cardwell (L) or 22 km S of Tully (R) Small area just off the highway. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S18 07.074 E145 54.437  ... Find out more

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Murray Falls Camp Area 66 km

T/O 22 km N of Cardwell (L) or 15 km S of Tully (R) Large grassed campground located 20 kilometres west of the highway in a pleasant bush setting among numerous small trees near the falls in Murray Falls State Forest.... Find out more

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Bluewater Rest Area 72 km

30 km N of Townsville (L) or 81 km S of Ingham (R) Large area well off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S19 10.512 E146 33.083... Find out more

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Saunders Beach Camp Area 73 km

T/O 24 km N of Townsville (R) or 87 km S of Ingham (L) Small coastal camp area located 7 kilometres east of the highway on the foreshore at the northern end of the village. Good facilities but shade is limited. ... Find out more

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Mission Beach Camp Area 87 km

T/O 3 km N of Tully (R) or 49 km S of Innisfail (L) Small campground located 24 kilometres east of the highway on the foreshore at the north end of the village. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S17 51.871 E146... Find out more

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Bingil Bay Camp Area 91 km

T/O 3 km N of Tully (R) or 49 km S of Innisfail (L) Very small campground located 28 kilometres east of the highway among dense vegetation on the foreshore, 4 kilometres north of Mission Beach. Good shade. GPS: S17... Find out more

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Diggers Creek Rest Area 95 km

18 km N of Tully (R) or 34 km S of Innisfail (L) Very small area adjacent to the road. Good shade. GPS: S17 47.441 E146 00.363 ... Find out more

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Tully Gorge Camp Area 106 km

T/O into main street through Tully Pleasant campground located in Tully Gorge State Forest, surrounded by rainforest on the banks of the Tully River, 40 kilometres north-west of town. Good facilities and shade. ... Find out more

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Alligator Creek Camp Area 120 km

T/O 64 km N of Ayr (L) or 23 km S of Townsville (R) Small secluded camping area located 6 kilometres west of the highway in a pleasant bush setting in Bowling Green Bay National Park. Good shade and facilities. GPS:... Find out more

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Fred Drew Rest Area 126 km

4 km N of Innisfail (L) or 26 km S of Babinda (R) Small area just off the road at the junction with the Palmerston Highway. Good facilities but only limited shade. GPS: S17 30.897 E145 59.624... Find out more

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Bramston Beach Camp Area 144 km

T/O 23 km N of Innisfail (R) or 7 km S of Babinda (L) Idyllic foreshore campground situated 17 kilometres east of the highway on the beach. Good shade and facilities. Store nearby. GPS: S17 21.076 E146 01.262... Find out more

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Babinda Rest Area 146 km

T/O opposite the main street into Babinda Large secluded area located 500 metres south-east of the highway on the old road. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S17 20.924 E145 55 541... Find out more

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The Boulders Camp Area 148 km

T/O into the main street through Babinda Small campground located 6 kilometres west of the highway near a very pleasant picnic area in the rainforest. Good facilities. NOTE: Limited sites available. GPS: S17 20.394... Find out more

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