60+ School Holiday Activities in Brisbane for December & January 2025

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Are you scratching your head and wondering what fun school holiday activities Brisbane has to offer your kids?

We’ve listed the best of the best What’s On in Brisbane for the school holidays. Here you will find what to do in Brisbane, where to go and what’s on for Brisbane school holidays this summer!

*Editor’s Picks for summer school holidays

• Museum of Brisbane (city) – free and paid kids activities and programs.
• Christmas putt putt at Victoria Park – charges apply.

Keep reading for all the details of my picks!

Got teenagers? Find things to do with teenagers in Brisbane (that aren’t lame!) too.

Kids activities Brisbane – free, cheap or GO BIG!

This article is an ‘at-a-glance’, go-to resource for parents listing the best things to do school holidays Brisbane style! If you are looking for school holiday programs in Brisbane where you can leave your kids to be looked after while you work or take care of other responsibilities, then we have that covered too.

If you are looking for fun things to do in the Brisbane school holidays check out our huge updated list of fun ideas.

We have broken our list of Brisbane school holiday activities into sections to help you:

BIG days out for the summer school holidays

One or two BIG days out are sometimes a fun school holiday activity to create special memories with your kids. Here are our picks of awesome summer school holiday activities:

1. Victoria Park Golf Complex

Victoria Park is your one-stop destination for all things fun during the school holidays! With plenty of activities around the complex to keep the whole family entertained, it’s sure to be a great day out. Make your way around the challenging putt putt course, stop by the driving range and swing for the city, then head up to the Bistro to enjoy the alfresco dining areas and seasonal menu. Bookings essential.

The fun doesn’t stop there though! There’s a free on-site kids playground for all Bistro diners, plus there’s a free giant games areas on weekends with giant chess, giant jenga, badminton and more!

To find out more about all the fun activities at Victoria Park, click here.

2. Lightscape | Brisbane City Botanic Gardens

Reimagined for 2024, the globally renowned Lightscape phenomenon of light, colour and sound returns during Brisbane Festival to dazzle visitors with all-new lightworks and installations by local and international artists.

Visitors can experience these incredible premiere works and more as they embark on a multi-sensory journey through light, colour and sound along a 2km self-guided trail through Brisbane’s City Botanic Gardens. The technicolour wonderland will take visitors of all ages beneath towering tree canopies illuminated in colour, alongside larger-than-life flowers and through dynamic, glowing tunnels.

Presented by Sony Music Entertainment as part of Brisbane Festival 2024, Lightscape reveals moments of wonder and beauty to share with everyone.

• Session times: Every 15 mins from 5.45pm until late
• Duration: Allow 90 minutes for the experience
• Tickets: $24 – $58
• Book: Click here

3. Circus Fun House | Hamilton

Join Ringmaster Francois and his talented international circus performers for an unforgettable adventure filled with music, comedy, dance, and jaw-dropping circus acts. Perfect for children of all ages, this reimagined circus experience promises to captivate and delight. They have 10 Circus Fun House shows over the QLD school holiday period.

School holiday show dates:

Don’t miss out on this magical school holiday experience – book now!

4. Iceworld

Ice skating in Brisbane – it’s like bobsledding in Jamaica! If you are looking for places to go ice skating Brisbane city, with all its sunshine, might seem a long way down your list of possible destinations. Amazingly Brisbane has TWO Olympic sized ice skating rinks: Iceworld Boondall and Iceworld Acacia Ridge!

The venue has heaps of free parking available, a coffee shop, free skate hire and an Olympic-sized ice skating rink ensuring room for all. We went along to see what facilities and ice skating Boondall had to offer. Check out our Iceworld review and video then check out the session that works for you here – then just rock up at the front door to buy your ticket for your session entry!

5. Dreamworld

Dreamworld is the Gold Coast’s BIGGEST theme park, offering an experience for locals and tourists unrivalled anywhere in Australia. Since 1981 Dreamworld has been a place of thrills, excitement, wildlife and award-winning entertainment, and with a massive investment in NEW RIDES and experiences already underway, the only way is up for this beloved Gold Coast destination. It doesnt matter if you have toddlers, kids, tween or teenagers, there is something here to keep them all happy!

Find out more about Dreamworld here.

6. WhiteWater World

WhiteWater World is no ordinary water park! Co-located with Dreamworld, WhiteWater World features ground breaking technology to deliver some serious splash. Having just introduced our newest slide, Fully 6, WhiteWater World now offers guests even more value with a variety of slides and attractions. There’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Find more information on WhiteWater World here.

RELATED: If you have teenager and are heading to the Gold Coast, DO NOT GO without reading this article first!

7. The Workshops Rail Museum

The Workshops Rail Museum in Ipswich, Australia is a wholly interactive authentic heritage and cultural experience located at the birthplace of rail in Queensland. Make history come alive with hands-on exhibits, multi-media encounters and colourful stories coupled with huge steam locomotives and massive industrial machinery. There is lots of information on The Workshops Rail Museum here.

8. SparkLab at the Sciencentre

Ignite your imagination in SparkLab, an interactive science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) space, ideal for 6 to 13 year olds! Follow your curiosity and bring out your inner scientist as you question, investigate and wonder about the world around you. You can buy tickets online for SparkLab here.

9. Keeper for a Day

Has your child ever wondered what it would be like to work as a zoo keeper? Well they have the opportunity to give it a go in a few location in and around Brisbane.  We have a list of places that the kids can live out their dreams as a zookeeper:

• Australia Zoo
• Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
• Wildlife HQ Zoo
• Sea Life Sunshine Coast

10. Riverlife Adventure Centre

Enjoy the outdoor green spaces in Brisbane’s inner city with Riverlife Adventure Centre, nestled on the river’s edge at the base of the Kangaroo Point Cliffs. You can hire some bikes, scooters, or strap on some rollerblades and cruise along one of the city’s many bike paths, or get wet and wild with kayaks and stand up paddle boarding. Find the details and prices of Riverlife here.

11. Boggo Road Gaol – temporarily closed

Boggo Road Gaol (Jail) – once the largest and most notorious prison in Queensland and today – one of Brisbane’s most unique heritage sites and tourism experiences. Walk through Division 2 and discover the history of this notorious prison with one of their knowledgeable and passionate guides. Find tour times and prices for Boggo Road Gaol here.

12. Fox in a Box

An innovative, exciting and creative way for your children, kids and teens to have fun together in an escape room. Real-life room escape games are a type of game where everyone is together in a room and they have to work together to find clues or objects to solve a series of puzzles and escape the room within a 60 minute time frame. Prison Break and Bunker are great rooms for a younger audience. Find more information about Fox in a Box here.

13. Archie Brothers Arcade and Bowling

We tried out the brand new Archie Brothers venue at Bowen Hills last week and hoooo boy we had fun!! Packed full of arcade games, virtual reality rides, bowling lanes as well as yummy food and drinks, this is a serious contender for our favourite thing to do these school holidays. If you want to see how we went on the rides and what the food looks like, check out our Facebook post here. We loved it!

20 free school holiday activities Brisbane

As the old saying goes – the best things in life are free. School holidays don’t have to break the bank (or your wallet). These ideas are the best free school holiday activities for the Summer school holidays that Brisbane has on offer.

15. CityHopper

Brisbane City Council’s CityHopper is a free inner city ferry service for the Brisbane River. You can hop on and hop off the CityHopper at six stops between North Quay and Sydney Street, New Farm. The service runs every 30 minutes between 5.30am and midnight, seven days a week. Find the schedule for CityHopper here.

16. Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre

Brisbane’s environment centre, located in the Karawatha Forest Park, the Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre is the place to teach the kids about the environment. Engage them in nature and family walks through the park so they can learn to understand the impact their choices will make – now, and for the rest of their lives. There is more information on Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre here.

17. Queensland Museum

Located at the beautiful South Bank, Queensland Museum provides an interesting and educational day out. Queensland Museum is the State’s centre for natural history, cultural heritage, science and human achievement. Home to permanent and changing exhibitions and collections, the museum also provides innovative public programs, educational experiences plus holiday and early childhood activities.

If the budget allows, be sure to purchase tickets to the Dinosaurs of Patagonia exhibition.

Find out what is happening at Queensland Museum here.

18. Daisy Hill Koala Centre

Nestled amongst eucalypt trees and featuring a large outdoor koala enclosure and many interactive displays, the Daisy Hill Koala Centre is a unique place to learn about koalas and their conservation. Wildlife Officers at Daisy Hill Koala Centre deliver talks daily at 11am and 2pm, providing information about koalas and their conservation. Find the opening times of Daisy Hill Koala Centre here.

19. New Farm Park

Locals love New Farm Park – and it’s not hard to see why. One of the city’s most popular parks, grab the chance to sit on the grass by the river and watch the CityCats and other boats cruise up and down while embracing a riverside breeze, or drop a picnic rug under a tree in the main oval area and kick a football or throw a Frisbee with friends. Find all the details on New Farm Park here.

20. QUT The Cube

The Cube is one of the world’s largest digital interactive learning and display spaces consisting of 48 multi-touch screens and soaring across two storeys in QUT’s Science and Engineering Centre. It is a must see for any young budding scientists.

The Cube delivers unique interactive digital learning experiences which communicate science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) concepts and bring research to the public. During the school holidays, they run hands on activities and experiences for children.  You can find out more about The Cube here.

21. Queensland Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA)

QAGOMA’s Children’s Art Centre works with artists to create exciting activities, books and programs just for kids. This very child-friendly space encourages children to explore art and artists from Australia and around the world. They can also play fun games, watch cool videos and get creative with make-at-home activities. 

The gallery is found on the bank of the beautiful Brisbane River which makes the perfect back drop for a picnic lunch after a visit to the gallery, or there is a café onsite for all of your food and refreshment needs.  You can find opening times and details of Queensland Gallery of Modern Art here.

22. A day out at South Bank

South Bank is known for its beautiful gardens, inner-city beach and restaurants, but it is also a fantastic place to bring the kids for a fun day out at one of the three specially-designed play areas.  There is Riverside Green Playground, Picnic Island Green Playground and Aquativity.  Pack your swimmers or sit back and grab a coffee while the kids enjoy the free aqua park.  During the school holidays, there are many free organized activities for the kids.  Check ahead as you do need to book in for some activities and others you are able to just turn up.  Find out what is happening at South Bank here.

23. Swim or picnic at Settlement Cove

One great place to go for a fun (and free) swim is the Settlement Cove (Redcliffe) Lagoon in Redcliffe. Located in front of Redcliffe Parade, this 95m long paradise beside the sea is the perfect place to have a fun day out. It’s also open all year round, making it a great alternative to pools which are closed during the colder months.

There is a fenced off pool area made just for much younger children. Right beside the lagoon is an awesome shaded children’s playground. This playground includes a sand play area, swings and a slide. You can find everything you need to know about Settlement Cove here.

24. Brisbane Botanic Gardens

Children and parents can explore the Hide ‘n’ Seek Children’s Trail set in the heart of the shady Exotic Rainforest in the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mt Coot-tha. Collect a map at the start of the trail and follow it to make sure you spot all the surprises and amazing plant facts. The details of Brisbane Botanic Gardens are here.

25. State Library of Queensland

The State Library of Queensland has a special Kids Corner with reading fun and games. With the support of parents and families, kids under 8 years old can explore and engage in the creative hands-on and minds-on experience of a digital exhibition, online games and reading activities. Find out what is happening at the State Library of Queensland here.

26. BMX Parks

There are more than 20 parks across Brisbane offering BMX facilities for fitness, fun and recreation. BMX facilities cater for different skill levels, but generally consist of dirt tracks, with some offering built-up dirt hills and various types of jumps. Visit your local BMX track to learn to ride, practice new tricks, improve your bike skills, or get ready for BMX racing. Find out where BMX Parks in Brisbane are here.

27. Bike riding on the bike paths

Get on two wheels and explore the city under your own (and the kids on their own) power. Brisbane is filled with bike paths around the city and around the suburbs. No matter where you are, there will be something close enough to have no excuse. Get the details of Bike Riding on the Bike Paths here.

28. Roma Street Parkland

The Roma Street Parkland is arguably one of the most beautiful spaces in the CBD. Check out the Spectacle Garden and try to spot as many varieties of flowers as you can, wander through the rainforest and around Fern Gully or pack a picnic and relax (or nap) under a tree in the Celebration Precinct. You can find more information on Roma Street Parkland here.

29. Brisbane Riverwalk

The Brisbane Riverwalk is one of the best ways to move between two of the city’s most vibrant precincts, whether you’re walking, running or cycling. It links trendy New Farm with the CBD via a suspended path sitting above the water, while offering a beautiful view across the river to Kangaroo Point and a fresh angle of the city. Find out more about Riverwalk here.

30. Mt Coot-tha Lookout

One of Brisbane’s most popular tourist attractions it is a must-see for visitors to Brisbane. The lookout boasts the best view of the CBD and well-known Brisbane landmarks. Beautiful by day and spectacular at night. There are a number of walking tracks and mountain bike trails leading from the lookout area. You can even take the Citriodora Trail down to the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mt Coot-tha or Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. Find the details about Mt Coot-tha Lookout here.

31. Brisbane Square Library

One of Brisbane’s most visually iconic buildings, at the top of the Queen Street Mall, the Brisbane Square Library regularly hosts kids’ events and has a kids’ section featuring interactive games and storytelling activities. Keep an eye on their events calendar for what’s on for kids. Find out about what is happening at Brisbane Square Library here.

We have a whole separate article on even more free school holiday activities in Brisbane for kids.

32. Bunya Creek Crossing

Located at the junction of Bergin Creek and South Pine River, at the end of Dugandan Road (enter 88 Dugandan Road into your phone or sat nav), Bunya Crossing Reserve Swimming Hole is a hidden gem in the Moreton Region and just 25 minutes from Brisbane CBD. It’s such a close, idyllic setting that is a great day trip for families.

We wrote about it on our other website here.

Cheap school holiday activities in Brisbane

Want to take the kids out, but you are on a budget? That’s OK – we’ve got a list of low cost options for the school holidays. These are cheap school holiday activities in Brisbane and suburbs that the kids will LOVE!

33. Climb ICP – bouldering and aerials gym

Climb ICP encourages parents to get involved or relax in their café by enjoying a quality made coffee, gluten free treats from I Heart Brownies and naturally made milkshakes.

Located in Fortitude Valley, Climb ICP is a brand new bouldering and aerials facility specifically designed for kids and teenagers aged 6 to 16 years. Climb ICP offers 900 square meters of vertical fun, perfect for families and young people looking for something exciting these school holidays.

Bouldering is climbing to lower heights and over soft mats removing the hassle of harnesses, ropes and belaying. It’s a highly social form of climbing that involves physical problem solving and is also HEAPS of fun.

They are operating extended hours and are open every day during the holidays, so add Climb ICP to your school holiday bucket list to embrace the challenge.

Find  out more about Climb ICP on their website.

34. Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre

Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre offer seasonal holiday programs during Queensland school holidays—4 times a year (Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring). Each program is packed with lots of fun nature-based activities about conservation and wildlife to help keep kids active and engaged during the school holidays.

Online bookings essential. You can find more on the program at Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre here.

35. Ipswich Art Gallery

Ipswich Art Gallery was the first in Australia to have a permanently dedicated Gallery space for children. They deliver child-centred programs that you will not see anywhere else. They have different exhibitions that are hands on for the children. This is not a place for the children to be directed by adults, it is a space for the children to really explore and self-direct. The exhibits for the children range from free to around the $5.00 mark. Find information on the latest exhibit at Ipswich Art Gallery here.

36. Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium

Brisbane City Council’s Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium features entertaining and informative shows for adults and children. All general audience and children’s shows include two parts – the main feature and a tour of Brisbane’s night sky by the Planetarium’s astronomers. Tickets start at $6.00.  You can find the show times for Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium here.

37. Brisbane Tramway Museum

The Brisbane Tramway Museum is set in large parklands in the North West suburbs of Brisbane and features a unique collection of Brisbane tramcars and trolley buses. Six trams have been restored back to working condition and are available for tram rides. In addition, the museum holds photographs, uniforms and other items which tell the story of life in Brisbane in the first half of the 20th Century. Admission starts at $8.00.  Find the details on opening hours of Brisbane Tramway Museum here.

38. Abbey Museum

The Abbey Museum offers a range of history-focused education programs for both primary and secondary schools. They offer a broad selection of activities and engaging experiences for history students including Ancient Egypt, Ancient Rome, Medieval Europe and Aboriginal Australia. During the school holidays, they offer different activities and workshops for the kids.  Prices start at $7.50.  Find the program of Abbey Museum here.

39. Wheel of Brisbane

Another one of the fun things to do with kids, Brisbane offers is to ride the huge Wheel of Brisbane.  Also located inside South Bank  – the Wheel has guests ride in a fully enclosed air-conditioned gondola, and takes you 60 metres above the ground for fantastic 360 degree panoramic views of Brisbane. During the 12 minute ride, you can listen to the audio commentary, which points out attractions around Brisbane. Prices start at $14.00. Purchase your tickets for Wheel of Brisbane here.

40. Explore the Brisbane River on the City Cats

Another great way to explore the Brisbane River is to simply board one of the city’s iconic CityCats.  CityCats are Brisbane’s public transport on the river.  The CityCats go as far as The University of Queensland at St Lucia all the way down to Hamilton and operate every day with regular services every 15 minutes for most of the day, and express routes and more frequent services during peak times. 

Find the times and prices of City Cats here.

41. South Bank Cineplex

Young film buffs and those who just want to be entertained will enjoy catching a flick at the South Bank Cineplex. There’s always something for all ages, and with prices this affordable, the whole family can go! Weekends and evenings after 6pm.  Prices start at $6.50.  Find out movie times at South Bank Cineplex here.

42. Maritime Museum

Visit one of Australia’s largest maritime museums and discover historic vessels of all shapes and sizes. It’s a great place to visit for the whole family and the children especially enjoy exploring the BIG exhibits such as the warship Diamantina and the lugger Penguin. Tickets start at $8.00.  Find out more information on Queensland Maritime Museum here.

5 things to do at home these school holidays

Staying at in doesn’t have to be boring. Make some time and memories at home these school holidays.

43. Make an A-Z scrapbook

Using magazines see if you can find a picture of something that begins with each letter of the alphabet. To make it more difficult, try to choose a theme ‘animals’ or ‘places’ beginning with every letter of the alphabet. If you get stuck you could draw some of the things in.

44. Have a living room disco

Crank the music and get dancing! Pick your favourite tunes and dance around the living room. Close the curtains for a darker, more ‘disco’ atmosphere.

45. Listen to audio books

There is nothing better than curling up with a good book, so we know the kids will be enthralled by a good audio book. Why not pull the mattresses off the beds and make a cosy corner to listen in.

46. Write a letter to a friend

Get out the paper and pens (no devices, that’s cheating!) and handwrite a letter. If the kids are too little, draw a picture instead. Then next time you are out, get them to post it in a postbox.

47. Do chalk drawing

Take out the coloured chalk and get drawing on the driveway. This is also a great way to meet your neighbours and for the kids to make new friends.

Kids shows Brisbane

If you are looking for kids entertainment Brisbane style, why not a kids’ show or kids concert!? Here’s where to go in Brisbane for some theatre action for kids.

48. Kids shows at QPAC

QPAC is Queensland’s entertainment destination and the leading presenter of performing arts in the Asia Pacific. Located on the banks of the Brisbane river, QPAC is one of four organisations that make up the state’s Cultural Centre. Queensland Performing Arts Centre produces a variety of high quality children friendly shows each year, especially around the school holidays. Find show details at QPAC here.

49. Kids show at the Powerhouse

Brisbane Powerhouse is Queensland’s home for contemporary culture, a magnificent power station of the 1920s reborn as an arts centre on the Brisbane River. Powerkids is a program which runs each Wednesday for 0 – 5 year olds.

Find out more details about Brisbane Powerhouse here.

50. Kids shows at QUT Garden’s Theatre

Gardens Theatre has been providing high quality entertainment for children and adult audiences alike for more than 20 years. Surrounded by the City Botanical Gardens, Gardens Point campus and a step away from central Brisbane, it’s a great place to experience professional productions. They usually run children’s theatre around school holidays.

These school holidays you can see:

• Spot – Live in Brisbane
• The Gruffalo
• Room on the Broom

51. Kids shows at Brisbane Arts Theatre

Brisbane Arts Theatre’s intimate theatre was originally opened in 1961 and is an iconic Brisbane venue. They produce engrossing, high quality, accessible theatre. They have regular children’s theatre and you can meet the actors after each show to sign your program.

The details of upcoming shows at Brisbane Arts Theatre are here.

52. Redcliffe Entertainment Centre

From musicals to comedy, dance and everything in between, the Redcliffe Entertainment Centre is the perfect venue for an outing with family and friends. They showcase family friendly entertainment regularly.

Find out what is coming up at Redcliffe Entertainment Centre here.

53. Kids shows at Logan Entertainment Centre

Logan Entertainment Centre is the city’s premier entertainment and events venue. They host a great variety of family friendly shows, especially around school holiday time.

These school holidays, you can see:

• The Quizzical Mr Jeff

Find the details of the shows at Logan Entertainment Centre here.

54. Kids shows at Redlands Performing Arts Centre

Redlands Performing Arts Centre proudly presents a rich and diverse program of events, performances and workshops sourced locally, nationally and internationally. With access to excellent music, drama, theatre, dance and more we appeal to a broad cross section of audiences and participants. They run a great variety of children’s shows including this summer: 

Find out more about RPAC here.

Find out what is on the RPAC these school holidays here.

55. Kids shows at Twelfth Night Theatre

The Boutique Twelfth Night Theatre is popularly known as the theatre where every seat is a good seat and every show is the best. Located in leafy Bowen Hills yet nearby to the entertainment hub of Fortitude Valley, the boutique Twelfth Night Theatre has a long history of presenting popular and quality live entertainment for the people of Brisbane.

Find out what is happening at Twelfth Night Theatre here.

56. Kids shows at SunPAC

Located in the heart of Sunnybank, SunPAC is a professionally equipped, multi-purpose theatre, cultural community hub and functions venue bringing arts and entertainment to the local area. They offer an enriching program of arts and entertainment as well as dedicated education and family programs designed to bring people of all ages together to learn and enjoy a range of artistic performances.

Keep the children entertained these holidays by going to:

• SunKIDZ

Find out what is showing at SunPAC here.

57. Kids show at LaBoite

La Boite has a proud reputation for developing artists and audiences – with the aim to push the boundaries of theatre and create a pathway for local and national artists to mainstream stages in Brisbane and beyond. They also have some wonderful family friendly shows.

Find show times and details of LaBoite here.

58. Kids shows at Brisbane Entertainment Centre

The Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC) is Brisbane’s leading convention centre and event venue in the heart of South Bank. BCEC hosts concerts, conventions, exhibitions and tradeshows all year round.

Find out about upcoming events at BCEC here.

59. Ipswich Civic Centre

Ipswich Civic Centre’s What’s On program showcases a most amazing line-up of national and international shows and performances. There is something for everybody – from classical and modern dance, musical theatre favourites, traditional, revival and modern music, to side-splitting comedy, thought-provoking drama and enthralling children’s entertainment.

Show details and times at Ipswich Civic Centre are here.

60. Fun activities in Brisbane at night for kids

We have a whole article dedicated to things to do in Brisbane at night have have listed 30 of our favourite things you can do with kids over the school holidays at night, so do check that out too!

Brisbane kids holiday ideas

Soooo…. what do you think? Plenty of days out ideas here to keep you and the kids entertained for the whole Queensland school holidays? These Brisbane holiday ideas are updated every term, so remember to bookmark this page.

Let us know if we missed your favourite or if you would like us to add your venue or event!

Even more QLD school holiday ideas:

If you are heading north these Queensland school holidays check out our related articles:

• Cairns school holiday activities
• Townsville school holiday activities
• Mackay school holiday activities
• Rockhampton school holiday activities
• Gladstone school holiday activities
• Bundaberg school holiday activities
• Hervey Bay school holiday activities
• Sunshine Coast school holiday activities

If you are heading south these QLD school holidays, these holiday ideas might help:

• Gold Coast school holiday activities
• NSW School holiday activities

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