Schoolies Travel

What is Schoolies?

Schoolies or “leavers” for those in WA happens every year as grade 12 or senior finishes. There are a number of destinations in Australia and overseas that are popular, well known and cater really well for schoolies. The best known is of course the Gold Coast.

Schoolies (or leavers if you're from WA) is a terrific time to be kicking back, hanging out with fellow schoolies and your mates to celebrate the end of school year. You’ve done all the hard work and now is the time to reward yourself by having fun and partying. It's also really important to look after the safety of yourself and your friends.
Schoolies is probably most closely associated with a phenomenon in which school leavers from around Australia choose to book their end-of-year holiday in Queensland destinations. Although the Gold Coast has the most visitors other destinations such as Magnetic Island, Airlie Beach and Yeppoon also cater to mostly a local market.

We all know that thousands of Year 12 students head to Schoolies destinations to celebrate the end of their school year. Students come from all around Australia (as well as New Zealand and other countries) and for many it is their first holiday on their own - without their family. Of course their youth creates special needs. Schoolies Travel understands that this is a big deal for many young people and so we only support events that have adequate controls and supervision. This minimises the possibility of trouble and means that schoolies remains as safe as possible in the “Schoolies destinations” we promote. We also ensure there is provision of properly qualified and licensed security guards in all destinations we recommend.

Schoolies Travel is new but it is run by experienced professionals so you can be sure your arrangements will be run smoothly.

What’s changing with Schoolies?

Recently new and different destinations have begun to emerge as the Gold Coast scene is too “full on” for some and has its own set of challenges. It can be a wonderful and exciting place with much to do and incredible night life but with that comes some danger and safety concerns. Toolies (they keep on trying), fights, flying objects, drunks and drugs top the list of safety concerns.

Having said that the Queensland Government does not promote participation in Schoolies. However, to respond to the influx of tens of thousands of young people, the government implements a state-wide “Safer Schoolies Initiative” so there is a great support network and trouble can be controlled to some extent.
Some of the newer destinations now present an interesting and often safer alternative to the Gold Coast. But the Gold Coast remains the “sentimental favourite” and by far the most popular and biggest event.

Safety at Schoolies

It’s important that your Schoolies celebration is not upset by some sort of an accident or disaster. To find out more about how to be safe we suggest that you Google “safety for schoolies”; there are both government sponsored and privately sponsored sites that give great tips. You can also talk to people you trust who have done schoolies themselves.

Our advice is simple –

• Don’t drink to excess.
• Don’t take drugs.
• Don’t “party” on high floors in high rise buildings.
• Stick together – don’t isolate yourself.
• Keep an eye on your drink at all times.
• No strangers in your room.
  

Where can schoolies go?

Schoolies Destinations

Originally schoolies began at Broadbeach in the 70’s on Queensland's Gold Coast. It spread its wings in the early 1990's to other Queensland destinations notably Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast, Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays, Rockhampton and Magnetic Island (off Townsville).

In New South Wales destinations that are hotting up include Byron Bay, Coffs Harbor and Port Macquarie.

In Victoria destinations include Lorne and Torquay. In South Australia, Victor Harbor is the only destination, surprisingly being the second largest destination in Australia. In Western Australia Schoolies is referred to as Leaver's Week and destinations include Rottnest Island, Busselton and Dunsborough but Bali is also very popular being both close and cheap.

Overseas, destinations that have gained popularity nationally include Bali, Fiji and Vanuatu.

Why Fiji?

Our preferred destination is Fiji – primarily because it’s the destination we sell that allows for maximum safety yet still provides a great cultural and party experience. Schoolies is about having fun; so places like Plantation Island, Mana Island and Beachcomber Island are just for Schoolies. There are no high rise buildings, no traffic to contend with, no Toolies, good security and entertainment with partying every night.

Back this up with the beautiful friendly Fijian people in a tropical paradise and you have the makings of a truly memorable end of school year break. See F.A.Q for Fiji here.

Questions?

If you have any questions, would like some further information about what we offer or you simply want us to provide you with a quote for your next trip please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@schooliestravel.com.au

Best regards,

The Team at Schoolies Travel