Schoolies

What’s On During Schoolies in Surfers Paradise?

Schoolies in Surfers Paradise is typically split into two main periods: the first week (November 18–24) and the second week (November 25–December 1). Both weeks are filled with events, parties, and activities that cater to different vibes. Here’s a breakdown of the events and activities that happened throughout the celebration:

Key Events and Parties

Schoolies Week Events: The Schoolies Festival is the heart of the celebration, featuring live music, DJ sets, and entertainment across the Surfers Paradise beachfront. There were big performances from both local and international artists, as well as an array of fun competitions and giveaways.

• Beach Parties & Pool Parties: Several beachfront venues and resorts hosted themed parties, from neon glow events to foam parties. Also there were beach volleyball tournaments and sandcastle competitions.
• Live Music & DJ Sets: Popular venues like Surfers Paradise Beach and nearby bars featured live music performances and club DJs.

All-Age Club Party

If you’re 17, no problem! You can still join in the fun at the All-Age Club Party, where both 17 and 18-year-olds can party together at top venues in Surfers Paradise. Access includes events like the Schoolies Festival, Cali Beach Club, and the Hilton Pool Party. U18 Schoolies Passports or All-Age Add-Ons give you entry to these events.

Cali Beach Club – Week 2 Schoolies Takeover

Week 2 kicks off with a Schoolies takeover at the Cali Beach Club, one of the Gold Coast's top venues. The place for DJ sets, beach club vibes and a massive resort-style pool to chill by. This all-ages event enables 17 and 18-year-olds to party together, with 18+ schoolies needing photo ID to access the bar. Cali Beach Club bar is a truly unforgettable experience.

VIP Upgrade – Party Like an MVP

For a next-level experience, the VIP Upgrade offered express entry, access to a VIP area, free rides, and exclusive meet-and-greets. Available for a limited time and exclusively for Schoolies.com customers, the VIP upgrade lets you party in style. Note: it's not included in the Schoolies Passport,

Hilton Pool Party – Ultimate Poolside Vibes

The Hilton Pool Party. Inflatable flamingos, DJ tunes and a massive pool to swim in. Soak up the sun at the 5-star Hilton Surfers Paradise.

18+ Nightclubs – Legendary Clubbing Vibes

For 18 and over, the 18+ Schoolies Passport gives you free or discounted entry to Surfers Paradise’s best nightclubs, where top DJs spin all night long. Party at iconic spots and dance until dawn!

Schoolies Themes – Get Ready to Dress Up

Schoolies love a good theme! Whether it’s neon, throwback, or costume-inspired, expect daily themed parties at events like the Schoolies Festival and Hilton Pool Party. Get creative and make memories with your squad!

Support Services and Safety Measures

Ensuring the safety and well-being of school leavers is a top priority during Schoolies. Both local authorities and private organizations provide a range of support services to keep everyone safe.

Red Frog Volunteers:

One of the standout features of Schoolies on the Gold Coast is the tireless work of the Red Frog volunteers. Red Frog is a not-for-profit organization that has been providing support to school leavers for many years. Their mission is to ensure that Schoolies have a safe and positive experience, offering everything from practical assistance to emotional support.

What Red Frog Does:

• Safety and Support: Red Frog volunteers are highly visible around Surfers Paradise during Schoolies, offering free water, help with directions, and guidance if anyone feels unsafe or overwhelmed. Volunteers are also trained to assist with mental health concerns, offering a listening ear to anyone who needs it.
• Emergency Assistance: If someone is unwell or in need of immediate support, Red Frog provides assistance and coordinates with emergency services to ensure that school leavers are safe.
• Pancakes and Good Vibes: One of the hallmark activities of the Red Frog team is their famous Pancake Parlour—where volunteers hand out free pancakes to school leavers in the early hours of the morning. This serves as both a fun tradition and an opportunity for the volunteers to check in on young people and offer support when needed.

Drug Testing and Harm Reduction

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on harm reduction measures to help protect Schoolies from risky behaviours. As part of the Gold Coast’s commitment to ensuring the safety of young people, drug testing services are available for attendees.

What Drug Testing Services Are Available?

• KnowYourStuff: A harm-reduction program run by the Queensland government and supported by local organizations like Red Frogs. KnowYourStuff provides free, confidential drug testing services, where school leavers can have substances tested for purity and strength before deciding whether to consume them. This initiative helps reduce the risk of overdoses and encourages responsible decision-making.
• How It Works: If you have concerns about the contents of a substance, you can visit a testing station where the substance is analysed. Results are typically available within 30 minutes, and the service operates with no questions asked, ensuring confidentiality.

These services play a vital role in promoting safe choices and protecting young people from the dangers of illicit drug use. It's important for school leavers to be aware of these resources and take advantage of them if needed.

Additional Support Services:

• Schoolies Safety Zones: Designated safe zones are set up along the Surfers Paradise Beachfront, where schoolies can access help if they need it. These zones provide resources like first aid, free water stations, and mental health support.
• Police Presence: The Queensland Police Service works closely with local authorities to ensure a safe environment for all attendees, with an increased presence on the streets and at popular venues.
• Mental Health Support: Dedicated services, like the Kids Helpline and on-site counsellors, offer mental health support for any Schoolies who may need it. Trained counsellors are available 24/7 to offer advice on stress, anxiety, and personal issues.
• Free Transport: There will be free shuttle buses and public transport options to help school leavers safely navigate the area. This ensures easy access to and from accommodation, clubs, and events.
• Alcohol-Free Zones: For students who want a break from the party scene, there are designated alcohol-free zones where they can relax and enjoy the festive atmosphere without the pressure of drinking.

How is the Vibe Different in the First Week vs the Second Week?

• The First Week: The first week of Schoolies in Surfers Paradise is the biggest and most organized. The official Schoolies events are in full swing, and the beach is filled with school leavers participating in games, competitions, and concerts. There is a more structured vibe, with an emphasis on official activities and gatherings. The streets and clubs have zones and entrances clearly marked and it’s hard to miss the youthful energy that fills the air.
• The Second Week: By the second week, the crowd becomes slightly smaller as many school leavers head home or head off to other parts of the Gold Coast. However, there is still plenty of partying and spontaneous gatherings. While the big events may wind down, the vibe is a little more relaxed and casual. For those who stayed on, it’s an opportunity to experience the nightlife and the beach more like a regular visitor without the crowds of the first week.

Attendance Numbers and Demographics

• How Many Schoolies in Surfers Paradise? In 2024, the Gold Coast is expected to welcome around 50,000 to 60,000 school leavers over the course of the two weeks. Surfers Paradise saw approximately 14,000 of those cllect ther lanyard. The increased number of locations (even in the Gold Caost) has meant Surfers Paradise easily accommodates the infulx without their being crowds on the street. The first week typically sees the highest attendance, with many schools finishing their exams at the same time. By the second week, the numbers may drop slightly as students spread out to other areas or head back home.
• Diversity of Schoolies: Surfers Paradise attracts school leavers from all over Queensland and beyond, including students from other states and even international visitors. Expect a mix of groups traveling together, solo adventurers, and schoolies staying in various accommodation types, from hostels and resorts to rented apartments.

Schoolies in 2024 vs 20 Years Ago: What's Changed?

It is claimed the first organised event was in 1976 at Lennon's Broadbeach International Hotel. In 2011, up to 40,000 students were expected to visit the Gold Coast. Around 16,000 schoolies visited the Gold Coast in 2021. Schoolies has evolved considerably over the past two decades. While the spirit of celebration remains the same, there are several key differences between Schoolies 2024 and Schoolies 20 years ago.

A Bad Reputation: Twenty years ago, Schoolies was a larger less organised event. Schoolies celebrations, particularly on the Gold Coast, have long been associated with violence, drawing significant media attention. In 1996 in response to escalating issues, the Gold Coast City Council began increasing regulations. The most violent Schoolies occurred in 2002, with nightly clashes overwhelming under-resourced police, leading the Queensland Government to take over event management in 2003 to address public concerns.

Despite increased police presence and improved strategies, violence persisted, with 2009 marking another troublesome year. During that week, 217 schoolies were arrested for various charges, including serious assault and drug possession, prompting discussions about banning the event and encouraging safer alternatives for participants.

In 2024, Schoolies is nothing like the previous decades. It has grown into a commercial event with multiple locations spreading participants across Australia and overseas. This has seen a reduction in the numbers of School Leavers attending Surfers Paradise and lessened its presence on the streets.

• Support Services: The growth of support services like Red Frogs and mental health initiatives has made Schoolies far safer and more supportive than it was in the past. In the early 2000s, the event had fewer resources dedicated to safety, but now there’s a much more organized infrastructure in place to help school leavers stay safe and make responsible choices.
• Drug Testing and Harm Reduction: Drug testing services were virtually non-existent 20 years ago. The introduction of KnowYourStuff and other harm-reduction programs marks a significant shift in how the event is handled, ensuring a safer experience for everyone involved.
• Technology and social media: The rise of smartphones, social media, and event apps has transformed how school leavers share their experiences, from snapping photos to live-streaming parties. This digital shift has made Schoolies more connected than ever before, both for attendees and for their families back home.
• Party Culture: While the focus on fun and partying remains central, the overall vibe has become more structured in 2024, with official events, safe zones, and well-regulated nightlife compared to a more "wild west" vibe 20 years ago.

Schoolies in Surfers Paradise in 2024 promises to be an action-packed, unforgettable experience, filled with iconic events, luxurious venues, and endless opportunities to celebrate your newfound freedom. Whether you're diving into the Cali Beach Club takeover, soaking up the sun at the Hilton Pool Party, or hitting the dancefloor at Surfers Paradise's best nightclubs, Schoolies has something for everyone.

With the option for VIP upgrades, access to exclusive events, and essential safety and support from organizations like Red Frogs and drug testing services, you can enjoy a fun, safe, and memorable Schoolies celebration. So, get ready to make some amazing memories and party like a true MVP this Schoolies season!