聖誕夜的溫馨之選：Daylesford溫泉小鎮的聖誕體驗

2020年與室友一起規劃去Daylesford溫泉小鎮過聖誕節，於是在聖誕節來臨之前就非常的興奮。

Excitement Building as Christmas Approaches: Planning a Christmas Getaway to Daylesford Spa Town with Roommates in 2020.

聖誕夜的這一天我們下午抵達Victoria Park，在前門拿了木製的房卡後，還發現旁邊還有一個狗狗專用的車屋超級可愛。

On Christmas Eve, we arrived at Victoria Park in the afternoon. After collecting the wooden room keys at the front desk, we also noticed an adorable dog-friendly cabin right next to it.

再加上這個公園都是車屋，連狗狗也有一個自己專屬的車屋，假期的第一天內心已經被療癒了。

In this park, all the accommodations were cabins, and even the dogs had their own special cabins. On the first day of the holiday, our hearts were already filled with relaxation and joy.

抵達車屋後，拿著行李走進去，車屋內有客廳還有很大張的沙發，沙發旁邊就是很大片的窗戶，坐在這裡看著陽光灑下來就好放鬆，雖然是夏季但是也不會太熱，這種溫度就是剛剛好。澳洲的日夜溫差大，到了晚上大概就剩十幾度，一件外套就剛剛好。

After arriving at the cabin, we carried our luggage inside. The cabin had a spacious living room with a large sofa. Next to the sofa, there were expansive windows that let in plenty of sunlight. Sitting there, watching the sunlight filter in, was incredibly relaxing. Despite it being summer, the temperature was just perfect – not too hot. Australia's day-to-night temperature difference was significant, and by evening, it was around the low teens in degrees Celsius. A light jacket was just right.

車屋外頭就有遊樂設施，旁邊還有可以烤肉的地方。

Right outside the cabin, there were recreational facilities, and nearby, there was a barbecue area.

整個園區除了車屋外還有像是露營的蒙古屋，而蒙古屋竟然還有附設冷氣，只是上廁所洗澡還是需要走出來公共的地方，但是晚上透著一點光也是非常的美。

The entire park had more than just cabins; there were also Mongolian-style yurts that resembled camping accommodations. Surprisingly, even the yurts came with air conditioning. The only inconvenience was that for bathroom and shower facilities, we needed to walk to the communal area. However, at night, the subtle lighting created a beautiful atmosphere.

公園附設的烤肉爐因為我完全沒有來過，我也一直吵著說很想去公園烤肉，聖誕夜就讓我實現願望，所以我非常興奮，馬上開始烤肉，是瓦斯加熱的鐵盤，操作非常簡單，也不用生火，烤著烤著可能太香了，就跑出一隻老鼠，衝出來我就跳起來，然後老鼠就消失了。聖誕驚魂夜就這樣結束了。

I had never been to the park's barbecue pits before, and I had been persistently expressing my desire to go there. Finally, on Christmas Eve, my wish came true, and I was incredibly excited. I quickly started grilling. It was a gas-heated iron plate, so it was straightforward to operate and didn't require starting a fire. While grilling, the aroma must have been too tempting because suddenly, a mouse darted out. I jumped up in surprise, and just like that, the Christmas Eve scare was over.

吃飽後就開始走在園區散步，很悠閒的夜晚，沒有人擠人的人潮，真的很喜歡這裡，晚上抬頭看星星也非常美，因為沒有光害所以星星都非常亮。

After a satisfying meal, we began to take a leisurely stroll through the park. It was a relaxed evening with no crowded masses of people. I truly loved this place. Looking up at the stars at night was incredibly beautiful; thanks to the absence of light pollution, the stars shone brilliantly.

如果可以我想要一直住在這裡，下輩子請讓我投胎為澳洲人。幻想完之後就散步回車屋睡覺了。

After such an experience, I wished I could live here forever. In my next life, please let me be born as an Australian. After indulging in this fantasy, I took a leisurely stroll back to the cabin and went to sleep.

隔天早上起床時窗戶的亮光直接叫醒我，帶著買好的食材又走出去烤肉區開始做漢堡了。

明明車屋有廚房但我就是想在戶外做早餐，小小的自我任性，煮完後帶回車屋再泡一杯咖啡，就是開啟了完美的一天。

The next morning, the bright sunlight streaming through the window woke me up. With groceries in hand, I ventured out to the barbecue area to start making burgers. Even though the cabin had a kitchen, I just felt like preparing breakfast outdoors – a small indulgence of my own. After cooking, I took the burgers back to the cabin and brewed a cup of coffee, starting the day off perfectly.

吃飽後準備出發去Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens，開了一段的車程抵達，抵達後有一個非常高的塔。

After a satisfying meal, we got ready to head to the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens. It was a bit of a drive to get there, but upon arrival, we were greeted by a very tall tower.

看著大家都走上去好奇心作祟的我們也開跟著走了上去，才發現樓梯非常的窄，只有一個人能走的寬度，所以上面的人要走下來要非常的小心，走到頂端之後還發現牆上貼著一張畫，上面寫著「The best part is walking home huddling hands」最美好的部分是手牽手一起回家散步。雖然畫作偏有些詭異但是內文卻非常的溫馨。

As we watched everyone else ascending, our curiosity got the best of us, and we decided to follow suit. It was only when we started climbing that we realized the staircase was incredibly narrow, just wide enough for one person. This meant that those coming down had to be very careful. Upon reaching the top, we also noticed a painting on the wall with the inscription, 'The best part is walking home huddling hands.' While the artwork had a slightly eerie quality, the message within was incredibly heartwarming.

頂端也非常的擠，就只有一個小小的平台只能容納三四個人吧，站在最高點往下看，我的腳瞬間就腳軟了，所以我就立刻選擇下樓了。

The top was quite cramped, with just a small platform that could accommodate only three or four people at a time. When I looked down from the highest point, my legs instantly went weak, so I quickly decided to make my way back down.

Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens 裡頭還有一間小小像是溫室的咖啡廳，很可惜咖啡廳沒有營業，應該是聖誕假期大家都放假去了。

Inside the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens, there was a small greenhouse-like café. Unfortunately, the café wasn't open, probably due to the Christmas holiday, and it seemed like everyone was taking time off.

咖啡廳的旁邊有一間溫室，Alf Headland Conservatory 這個溫室，除了四面都是透明的玻璃之外，每次看到這種溫室都好想自己搭建一座然後種下滿滿的花草，在想像中我就是在灌溉這些花草然後坐在外頭讀一本小書再悠閒的過完這早晨和下午，為自己未來的家又多了一個浪漫的想像。

Next to the café, there was a greenhouse called the Alf Headland Conservatory. Whenever I see such conservatories, I can't help but imagine building one myself and filling it with an abundance of flowers and plants. In my imagination, I'm tending to these plants and sitting outside, reading a book, spending a leisurely morning and afternoon. It adds another romantic vision to my future home.

(2020.12.24) ALF HEADLAND CONSERVATORY

也去了附近湖邊小屋

Lake Daylesford，這裡就沒有什麼，看了很多湖邊小屋後就走了改為去比較熱鬧的街上。

We also visited Lake Daylesford nearby. There wasn't much to do there, and after admiring several lakeside cottages, we decided to leave and head to the livelier streets.

這裡的街道有種古老是建築的美感，雖然整條街不長，但就是會讓人停留下腳步慢慢看，就很容易發現一些很美的角落值得停下來。

The streets here exuded a sense of old-world charm with their historic architecture. Even though the street wasn't very long, it had that unique quality that made people pause and take in the sights. It was easy to stumble upon some truly beautiful corners that were worth stopping for.

藝廊也是很多間，澳洲這個國家對藝術的重視讓我更喜歡這裡，連餐廳的手把設計都很有設計感，拉門的裝置是右手造型藝術雕塑，可惜沒有營業。

There were also numerous art galleries, and Australia's emphasis on the arts made me appreciate this place even more. Even the restaurant's door handles had a unique design, featuring sculpted right-hand artistic installations. Unfortunately, the restaurant was not open.

（餐廳的藝術裝置手把）The restaurant's artistic door handle installations.

(2022.12.25 )

繼續走著發現先發現頭上的書店標示有一隻貓咪，才發現是一家書店的裝飾，好愛這種生活中的小巧思，店名叫做Paradise book shop，立刻走進去逛逛。

As we continued walking, I noticed a sign above a bookstore with an image of a cat. It turned out to be the decoration of a bookshop called 'Paradise Book Shop.' I absolutely adore these little creative touches in everyday life, so I promptly walked in to explore.

店內賣了很多不同的書籍之外還有一些復古的黑膠唱片，書籍種類很多，對於愛書的人這裡真的是一個「Paradise」，我也買了一本關於墨爾本的街頭塗鴉藝術的書籍，雖然很多地方是禁止噴漆塗鴉，連噴漆罐都是會上鎖的，要購買還需要請店員開鎖的哦。

They had a wide variety of books and even some vintage vinyl records in the shop. With so many different book genres available, it truly felt like a 'Paradise' for book lovers. I ended up buying a book about street graffiti art in Melbourne. Even though many places prohibit spray painting and even lock up the spray cans, you needed to ask a staff member to unlock them for purchase.

而街頭藝術是有點反叛跟最能表達人們內心想法的一個記號吧。

而聖誕節就是要買一些禮物送給一年來辛苦的自己吧。

Street art like this has a bit of a rebellious spirit and can often be a symbol of people expressing their inner thoughts. And Christmas is indeed a time to buy some gifts and treat yourself to celebrate all the hard work you've put in throughout the year.

(2023.12.25 Paradise book shop)

買完書後又看到了販賣二手小物的店，每一次只要有這種復古小店我一定都會走進去挖寶，果不其然在這裡又收穫了兩個聖誕節禮物。

After buying the book, I stumbled upon a vintage thrift store that sold various second-hand items. Whenever I come across these vintage shops, I can't resist going inside to hunt for treasures. As expected, I found two more Christmas gifts here.

(2023.12.25 Brick Lane Bazaar)

店裡的東西都好想全部帶回家，雖然偶爾會出現一些佛像也會讓我嚇到，但外國人應該沒有在忌諱所以擺在店裡應該也算是很正常的一件事。

Everything in the store made me want to take it all home, although occasionally I was surprised to come across some Buddha statues. However, I suppose that foreigners don't hold taboos about such things, so it's probably quite normal to have them displayed in the store.

途中還走進了一家小餐廳吃了甜點，不過都沒拍照紀錄，只記得甜點非常的非常的死甜，所以很匆忙的吃完就走了。

I also stopped by a small restaurant on the way for dessert, but I didn't take any photos. I do remember that the dessert was incredibly sweet, so I hurriedly finished it and continued on my way.

滿足的逛完就心滿意足帶著禮物回車屋了。

雖然途中有吵架插曲，但看在禮物的份上我就原諒了。

After a fulfilling day of exploration, I returned to the cabin with my gifts and a satisfied heart. Despite the minor disagreement along the way, I chose to forgive and forget, especially in the spirit of the holiday season and the joy of the gifts.

最後一天美好的聖誕假期，一早就先去小鎮上吃早餐，也因為疫情的關係所以都是是用手機線上點餐，省去了看不懂艱難英文的過程。悠閒的坐在戶外，點了一個類似米餅加地瓜得主餐再來上一杯他們自己釀的啤酒，人間值得的一刻。

On the final day of the wonderful Christmas holiday, I started the morning by having breakfast in the small town. Due to the pandemic, we used our smartphones to place orders online, saving us from the struggle of deciphering difficult English menus. I leisurely sat outdoors, ordered a main dish that resembled a combination of rice cakes and sweet potatoes, and paired it with a glass of their homemade beer. It was a moment that made the world feel worthwhile.

休息完後去了附近小鎮修道院改建的咖啡廳兼藝廊The convent gallery，車子停好後，首先要先走一段小山坡才會看到建築的入口處，經過看到這個植物我都會摸一下，這植物的材質摸起來太像毛絨玩偶，但一直不知道這個植物的名稱，因為我很想種。

After our rest, we headed to The Convent Gallery, a coffee shop and art gallery located in a former convent in the nearby town. After parking the car, we had to walk up a small hill before reaching the entrance to the building. On our way, I couldn't resist touching a particular plant. Its texture felt just like a plush toy, but I never knew the name of this plant. I've been curious about it because I'd love to have one in my garden.

走到門口排了一下隊伍，因為沒有要內用喝咖啡所以很快就入場了，入場後會在門口購買門票再進去。

We queued up at the entrance for a moment. Since we didn't plan to have coffee inside, we quickly gained access. Inside, we purchased our tickets at the entrance.

十九世紀的建築，所以有些地方聞起來會有一種老味道。

Being a 19th-century building, there was a certain vintage scent in some areas, which added to its charm.

從二樓看下去就是咖啡廳，這裡擺放很多畫作，不同種類的風格都有，我自己會很喜歡逛這種藝廊，每一幅都很有自己的個人特色。

Looking down from the second floor, you could see the coffee shop area below. There were many paintings displayed throughout, representing various styles. Personally, I love wandering through galleries like this, as each painting has its own unique personality and charm.

(藝廊內的部分畫作)The artwork inside the gallery.

走著走著就走進一間小教堂，畢竟是修道院改建，走進來後彷彿身心靈都感到異常的平靜。

As I continued exploring, I entered a small chapel. Given that it was a converted convent, stepping inside made me feel an extraordinary sense of serenity, both in mind and spirit.

而下午的陽光透過窗花照射進教堂裡，繽紛的顏色好像室內有了彩虹，非常美麗。

The afternoon sunlight streaming through the stained glass windows cast a colorful spectrum inside the chapel, creating the appearance of an indoor rainbow. It was incredibly beautiful.

坐下來休息一陣子後才緩緩走出這個空間。

After sitting down and resting for a while, I slowly walked out of that space.

(2023.12.26) Convent Gallery

藝廊的空間總體來說非常的大，人不會很擁擠，可以沈浸式的看畫，對於我這種怕人多的人來說是一個非常友好的地方。

The gallery space, overall, was quite spacious, and it never felt overcrowded. It allowed for an immersive viewing experience, which was perfect for someone like me who prefers to avoid large crowds. It was indeed a very welcoming place.

走了一陣子才走到出口，一出來回頭又不禁被十九世紀的建築吸引，我都好喜歡哦，真的都非常的精美。

After walking for a while, I finally reached the exit. Upon stepping outside, I couldn't help but be drawn to the 19th-century architecture once again. I really loved it; everything was exceptionally exquisite.

在離開這個溫泉小鎮之前留下照片紀念，雖然沒有找到泡溫泉的地方，但這三天的聖誕假期也是可以擠進人間值得的前幾名了。

Before leaving this spa town, I took some photos as mementos. Although I didn't find a place to soak in the hot springs, these three days of the Christmas holiday definitely ranked among the top experiences worth cherishing in this lifetime.

小插曲：四個人在玩跳跳床結果玩過頭，室友直接閃到腰。為此拍下這張紀念一下。

By the way: The four of us were having a blast on a trampoline when things got a bit out of hand, and one of my roommates ended up straining their waist.

結論：三不五時，愛要及時。