2019-2020 墨爾本跨年夜派對

2019年的時候就移動到墨爾本工作，雖然拿時候內心的一個必做事情是想去雪梨，但是路途實在太遙遠想著之後工作有移動可以再去雪梨看煙火跨年，隔年沒多久疫情就爆發了，加上禁止開車跨州，內心充滿了遺憾，想著以後要更活在當下，因為以後再去很可能就沒有機會了。

In 2019, I moved to Melbourne for work, and while one of my heart's desires was to visit Sydney for New Year's Eve fireworks, the distance seemed too far, with plans to possibly visit in the future during a work move. However, shortly after, the pandemic hit, and with interstate travel bans, the opportunity slipped away. There was a deep sense of regret, realizing that future chances might be slim. It made me resolve to live more in the present because the opportunities we delay might never come again.

在台灣跨年都是在家倒數，到了國外想參與盛大的活動，也許是因為活動辦得真的很好，讓人也很有參與感。墨爾本畢竟也是一個大城市，出門探索看看跟台灣的跨年有什麼不一樣的地方。

In Taiwan, New Year's Eve is spent at home, but being abroad makes me crave participating in grand events. Perhaps it's because these events are so well-organized, creating a strong sense of involvement. After all, Melbourne is also a big city. It's essential to venture out and explore to see what differences there are in New Year's celebrations compared to Taiwan.

我們是選擇搭乘火車出發，而跨年夜的所有大眾交通運輸都是免費，超級貼心。

"We opted to take the train, and on New Year's Eve, all public transportation is free—a super considerate gesture."

最特別的是墨爾本市政府所有的跨年慶祝活動是「禁止喝酒」，違規的人會被罰款唷。

以免喝酒發生衝突事件我是非常贊成這個規定。

"The most unique aspect is that all New Year's celebrations organized by the Melbourne City Council enforce a 'no alcohol' policy, and individuals violating this rule will be fined. I strongly support this regulation to prevent alcohol-related conflicts."

我們是差不多晚上七點抵達市區，現場的狀況是人山人海，部分的街道會封街，如果開車來要找車位可能已經2020年了。

"We arrived in the city center around 7 p.m., and it was packed with people. Some streets were closed off, so if you came by car, finding a parking spot might already feel like it's 2020."

走在街道上要跟緊自己的朋友，因為一不小心真的很容易走失之外，現場的動線規劃是不能突然回頭走，必須照著指示走到底才能再從另一端走回來，再加上因為人潮很多手機訊號基本上完全不能用，所以真的要跟緊。

"Walking on the streets required sticking closely to our friends because it was very easy to get separated. Additionally, the event's layout didn't allow sudden turns or going back; we had to follow the designated paths to the end before retracing from the other side. Moreover, due to the huge crowd, cellphone signals were practically non-existent, so sticking together was crucial."

也很不一樣的是晚上九點會先放第一波煙火屬於家庭煙火秀，是給有帶小孩來的父母或者是想提前離開的人也能一起觀賞煙火，不用等到12點才看得到，內心真的覺得好貼心。

"Another unique aspect is the early fireworks display at 9 p.m., catering to families with children or those who prefer to leave early. It was thoughtful to provide an opportunity for everyone to enjoy the fireworks together without waiting until midnight."

怕人擠人也可以選擇搭遊船跨年，船上也會有一些小點心跟飲料可以吃，我個人推薦現場跨年比較有氣氛，但雪梨跨年的話我就會選擇遊船，畢竟要提前佔位置跟人擠人還有可能看不到煙火，聽去過的朋友分享遊船是一個不錯的選擇，最好是半年前就訂票，越後面票價越高之外也會買不到，推薦給去雪梨跨年的朋友。

"For those worried about crowds, there's an option to ring in the New Year aboard a cruise ship. They offer snacks and drinks on board. Personally, I'd recommend experiencing the live atmosphere on-site for New Year's in Melbourne. However, for Sydney's New Year's Eve, I'd choose the cruise. It's a good choice considering the challenges of securing a good spot in advance, dealing with overcrowding, and the possibility of missing out on fireworks. Friends who've been there recommended the cruise; it's advisable to book tickets at least six months ahead as prices soar later and tickets might become unavailable. I highly recommend this option for friends planning to celebrate New Year's in Sydney."

（取自遊船官方網站）

票價基本上跟雪梨的遊船比便宜很多，不同的是遊船是以年齡層去劃分，這個方式我超級贊同，畢竟跟相同的年齡層一起跨年能更享受當下氣氛和煙火的樂趣。

"The ticket prices are significantly cheaper compared to the cruise in Sydney. What's different is that they categorize the cruise by age groups, a method I wholeheartedly support. After all, celebrating New Year's with people of similar age groups allows for a better enjoyment of the atmosphere and fireworks."

（擷取自官方網站的地圖）2023~2024 的跨年地圖

墨爾本的跨年舞台不只有一個，是分散在四個不同的地方，分別是Docklands、Flagstaff Gardens、Treasury Gardens和Kings Domain。官方網站也會有地圖可以看所以不用擔心迷路，都是在Flinders Street Station附近走路就可以到，很聰明不會離太遠也不會太擠。

"In Melbourne, there isn't just one New Year's Eve stage; they are spread across four different locations: Docklands, Flagstaff Gardens, Treasury Gardens, and Kings Domain. The official website provides maps, so getting lost isn't a concern. All these venues are within walking distance from Flinders Street Station, a clever arrangement ensuring they're not too far apart or overly crowded."

四個表演區域可以去，現場會有DJ播放一些電子音樂跟一些搖滾歌手現場歌曲演唱，雖然一個都不認識但現場的氣氛會不知不覺讓自己也跟著音樂舞動起來。

"At each of the four performance areas, there'll be DJs spinning electronic beats and live performances by some rock artists. Even if I didn't know any of them, the vibe at the venue would naturally get me grooving to the music."

（來自iphone 6 的模糊不清的錄影現場）

音樂是來自澳洲的歌手之前是在當街頭藝人的Tones and I 好想在街頭遇到她啊～

Dance Monkey這首歌爆紅之後Tones and I 還有回到墨爾本街頭表演，剛好真的看到了，有夠愛。

"The music comes from Australian artists, and funnily enough, I used to see Tones and I as a street performer before. I really wished to bump into her on the streets! After her hit 'Dance Monkey' went viral, Tones and I actually returned to busking on the streets of Melbourne. And guess what? I happened to catch her performance – absolutely loved it!"

也有流行歌曲，像當年非常紅的電影「一個巨星的誕生」裡的歌 Shallow，現場大家跟著音樂也一起合唱起來。

"There were also popular songs like 'Shallow' from the blockbuster movie 'A Star is Born.' Everyone joined in singing along to the music."

我也跟著亂唱完之後，最後是決定走去Kings Domain 區域等待倒數。

"After joining in the impromptu singing, we ultimately decided to head to the Kings Domain area to await the countdown."

（擷取自官方網站Kings Domain 的地圖）

標示也非常清楚，場地也夠大，官方網站也有行程的安排表可以參考。

"The signage was very clear, and the venue was spacious enough. The official website also had a schedule of events for reference."

走去公園的路上遠遠就還看到一個發光的噴水池，看起來超級魔幻。

"On the way to the park, we spotted a glowing fountain from a distance. It looked absolutely magical."

一路上公園裡頭都會有小燈所以不用太黑會跌倒，正因為這些小燈好像在指引我們走進一個魔幻的地方。

"Throughout the park, there were small lights, preventing the area from being too dark and ensuring we didn't stumble. These lights seemed to guide us into a magical realm."

抵達的時候還有看到一群老奶奶跟老爺爺們穿著英國插畫家畫的人物：「威力在哪裡？」的服裝，超級可愛！

"When we arrived, we even saw a group of elderly men and women dressed in costumes featuring characters from the British illustrator's work 'Where's Wally?' Super adorable!"

等待倒數的途中也會有攝影機拍攝就會出現在電視牆上的互動，本人是在是太社恐只能看著朋友跑去鏡頭裡開心的跳舞，推薦給不怕生喜歡在表現自己的朋友們。

"During the countdown, there were cameras filming, and the footage appeared on the big screens for interactive moments. Being a bit camera-shy, I stayed back while my friend joyfully danced into the camera's view. I'd recommend this to friends who love expressing themselves and aren't camera-shy."

活動現場沒有主持人主持，所以就是靜靜著看著螢幕顯示還有多久的時間邊聽著音樂邊和朋友聊天，而螢幕播放一些復古小短片穿插墨爾本的街頭影片都是有設計過的，所以我好喜歡藝術之都的墨爾本。 "The event didn't have any hosts, so it was just quietly watching the screens display the countdown timer while listening to music and chatting with friends. The screens also played some vintage short films intermixed with footage of Melbourne's streets, all beautifully curated. That's why I love Melbourne, the artistic capital."

比較不一樣的是倒數的時間也是會只有出現在螢幕上而台灣是會有主持人提醒。

"Something unique was that the countdown timer was displayed solely on the screens, unlike in Taiwan where hosts typically announce the countdown."

聊著聊著就到了倒數的時間，現場跟大家起倒數煙火齊放，站在煙火的正下方直接可以看到最大的煙火放送。

"As we were chatting, the countdown approached. We joined everyone in the countdown, and fireworks erupted simultaneously. Standing directly beneath the fireworks, we had a prime view of the spectacular display."

倒數的過程就可以感受到要在這個結尾謝謝生活中的每一個人。

"The countdown process really instills a sense of gratitude for everyone in our lives as we reach the culmination."

煙火美不勝收，來自iphone 6的影片也是拍得很美。

"Absolutely stunning fireworks! Even the videos taken with an iPhone 6 captured the beauty remarkably well."

而除了現場的煙火之外還有大廈的煙火，彷彿看到台北101的跨年煙火的即視感。

"In addition to the fireworks at the venue, there were fireworks from the buildings, giving a reminiscent feeling of the New Year's fireworks at Taipei 101."

看完煙火後就是散場走回火車站搭車回家，最後只記得人潮很多到家的時候已經是半夜快四點了。

"After enjoying the fireworks, it was time to disperse and make our way back to the train station for the journey home. All I remember is the massive crowd, and by the time I reached home, it was nearly 4 AM."

相比之下跨年的煙火雖然比Ekka show的遜色，但是現場氛圍卻是勝過Ekka show。

"Comparatively, while the New Year's fireworks might fall slightly short of the Ekka show, the atmosphere at the event surpasses that of the Ekka show."

為最後一年做一個完美的結尾，隔年2021因為疫情爆發取消跨年活動，那年就跟去朋友家倒數完之後就走路回自己的家了。

"For the final year, I aimed to create a perfect ending, but in 2021, due to the outbreak of the pandemic, the New Year's Eve celebrations were canceled. That year, after counting down at a friend's place, I simply walked back home."

在台灣不怎麼喜歡跨年除了不喜歡人擠人之外也可能是因為朋友住在附近，去了澳洲反而會一直跟朋友聚會聯絡感情，畢竟下一次見面可能大家都移動去別的地方工作就不會再見了。

"In Taiwan, I wasn't fond of New Year's Eve celebrations, partly due to the crowded spaces and perhaps because my friends lived nearby. However, in Australia, it's different; it's a time to constantly connect and bond with friends. After all, the next time we meet, everyone might have moved to different places for work, and chances are we won't see each other again."

今年在台灣，跨年夜準備在朋友家躺著倒數完就睡覺，畢竟真的沒有體力去外面吹冷風了。如果再出國可能又會有體力跑來跑去了？新年新希望想賺大錢可以再度出國旅行。

"This year in Taiwan, I plan to lie down at a friend's place and just sleep after counting down. Frankly, I don't have the energy to brave the cold outside. If I were to travel abroad again, I might find myself energetic and exploring as usual. In the new year, my hope is to earn big and possibly embark on another overseas trip."

墨爾本跨年推薦指數：四顆星

遊船的官方網站：River Cruise in Melbourne (跨年活動專區)2023~2024

墨爾本的跨年活動官方網站：Melbourne 2023~2024

附上一張倒數計時的插圖（小彩蛋我偷偷畫了一個飛碟進去）