Schoolies begins when thousands of high school graduates descend on the Gold Coast to celebrate an end-of-year tradition
After difficult times for popular student destinations such as the Gold Coast during the pandemic years, 2023 will see celebrations ramp up again.
Around 20,000 teenagers are expected to head to Surfers Paradise Beach, with many arriving this weekend.
Hundreds of people flocked to clubs on Saturday night, with a high school graduate dressed in a Fireball Whiskey outfit among the strangest costumes spotted that evening.
McDonald’s was apparently the most popular midnight snack, with several partygoers enjoying their takeaway while munching on the streets.
Revelers are told to look out for their friends and keep their safety in mind.
But you can also keep it casual at Schoolies parties (pictured).
Wearing your old school uniform (pictured) is a great way to let people know why you’re in town
Taking a photo with a police officer (pictured) is a right of passage for many students
These teenagers have lanyards around their necks that allow them to participate in various events
School Uniform? Check. Mobile phone? Check. Leashes? Check. White sneakers? Check
Hundreds of people flocked to clubs on Saturday night with a high school graduate dressed in a Fireball Whiskey outfit among the strangest costumes spotted that night
Volunteers from the Safer Schoolies and Red Frogs initiatives patrol the most popular areas, providing support to those who need it.
They, the authorities and, most importantly, the graduates themselves play a key role in ensuring that the graduation celebrations run smoothly.
With live music, DJs, and many people looking to unwind after high school, everyone’s main goal is to have fun.
“We sold out the first week and capacity has returned to pre-pandemic levels for the first time this year,” said Matt Lloyd, CEO of Schoolies.com Gold Coast Bulletin.
The two-week event, which will welcome students from New South Wales and Victoria next weekend, is expected to be worth around $30 million to the local economy.
The Gold Coast is by far the most popular destination, with alternatives such as the Sunshine Coast, Airlie Beach and Byron Bay trailing far behind.
Some students go on a trip abroad to places such as Fiji or Bali.
Either this student (in the photo) is very tall, or the police officers he is posing with are not
Sometimes you just need to relax, sit down and put things into perspective
You can’t party all night without a break for a meal, as these people (pictured) know.
Finding a good place to sit and eat your takeaway dinner (pictured) is always important
In case anyone forgot what schoolgirl year it is, these women have 2023 written on their skirts
Hands up if you’re having fun at Schoolies on the Gold Coast…
In case anyone needed directions to where to party, signs like these around Surfers Paradise helped point them in the right direction
Each school year brings a different trend, and this year’s seems to be about higher-end accommodations.
There was very strong demand for three of the most expensive hotels listed on Schoolies.com – the five-star Hilton Surfers Paradise, Mantra’s Circle on Cavill and Towers of Chevron.
People staying at the Towers are reported to pay between $900 and $1,100 per week, which is about half the regular weekly rate.
“Right now, the more expensive accommodations are being booked first, so the four- and five-star high-rises are very, very popular and can be booked early,” said Lloyd of schoolies.com.
“Rather than looking for something cheap and cheerful, students are definitely looking for more luxurious accommodation.”
Not everyone in Schoolies is smiling all the time – these young people may have been tired
The evening’s events are much appreciated by the young man on the right of this photo
Around 20,000 teenagers are expected to head to Surfers Paradise Beach, with many arriving this weekend
The two-week event, which will welcome students from New South Wales and Victoria next weekend, is expected to be worth around $30 million to the local economy
Revelers are told to look out for their friends and keep their safety in mind
You’ll want to remember this time forever, so be sure to take plenty of selfies
And if a professional photographer wants to take your photo, wave at him
The Queensland Government and Gold Coast Council jointly run The Schoolies Hub as a “proven escape from the streets, beaches, hotel rooms and balconies for legal Year 12 graduates of all ages”.
So far in 2023, police have reported mostly good behavior, although there have been tragic deaths in the past few years, including teenagers falling from balconies.
In 2019, 18-year-old Victorian Charlie Scott fell from the 42nd floor of the Hilton Hotel.
One of the most important messages of the Safer Schoolies program – a coordinated response that has been implemented since its 20th edition – is “Stay safe on the balcony”.
Surfers Paradise apartment owners have a zero-tolerance policy for balcony jumping.
The sign says that’s it – you’re in Surfers Paradise… and you want to have a good time there after your exams
A good way not to lose your friends is to hold their hand (pictured)
You can also just wrap your arms around each other, which will also help keep friends (pictured)
Sneakers like these three teens (pictured) are very popular among Schoolies
If you are too tired to continue walking, maybe you can get a strong friend to carry you on his shoulders (pictured)
This young couple seems to be wondering where to spend their evening next in Surfers Paradise
Another pair of happy high school graduates having fun in Surfers Paradise
