GOLD COAST SCHOOLIES

So you've heard of "Schoolies Week", but you're not really sure what its all about. Well, read on!

Schoolies Week is a three week graduation festival celebrated by Year 12 school leavers from all around Australia. It takes place after the Year 12 Leaving Certificate between mid-November and mid-December.

The event is predominantly held on Queensland's Gold Coast; however alternative destinations include Byron Bay, Sunshine Coast, Airlie Beach, Tropical North QLD, Great Keppel Island and Magnetic Island. Traditionally each of the 3 Schoolies weeks in Queensland attracts a different state of year 12's so that each one parties with their own fellow students.

Every year thousands of Year 12 students from around Australia (as well as a few from New Zealand and other countries) make plans for a holiday to celebrate their end of school years and the completion of their Leaving Certificate.

Schoolies Week is often the first holiday these students go on without their family, and their youth creates special needs. Schoolies.com understands this and has put in place a number of safety measures to keep them safe on the streets of our schoolies destinations. These include the provision of qualified and licensed security guards on all 'schoolies' properties, individual Photo ID building entry passes, supervised no alcohol schoolies only dance parties as well as a 24 hour helpline throughout the schoolies month.

Schoolies.com has been a central reservations office for Schoolies Week for the past 16 years and is the market leader for Schoolies travel arrangements. Each year packages provide more choice and value.

Research into the 1999 event identified Schoolies as the Gold Coast's highest money earner, bringing in over $59 million into the economy, $4 million more than the highly successful Indy Carnival.

WHEN IS SCHOOLIES

Traditionally each of the 3 schoolies weeks in QLD attracts a different state of year 12's so that each one parties with their own fellow students.

Queensland students

Your last day of exams is 17 November 2006 and your schoolies historically starts first. In 2006 the first day will be 18 November so we recommend you travel in Week 1.

Students from other states

Your exams generally finish early November so you could travel whenever you choose. However historically each state has attended schoolies as follows:

Please note: Accommodation rates are cheaper for check-ins from 25 November onwards. Please check your exam finishing dates with your Year 12 co-ordinator or the Department of Education in your state before booking.

Please be aware some destinations such as Airlie Beach, Mooloolaba, Caloundra, Coolum and Magnetic Island are only available in the first week from 18 November.

GOLD COAST SCHOOLIES LOCATIONS

Gold Coast

This world famous tourist strip is pure gold for that end of year holiday of a lifetime. The Gold Coast’s trademark is the depth and breadth of its attractions which embrace all tastes. By day the destination lives up to its reputation as the beach and theme park capital of the country. By night it pulsates to the rhythm of its many entertainment and dining options from the Casino to the nightclubs and everything in between. It’s no wonder thousands of young holidaymakers join the party to celebrate the Schoolies festival here each year. The Gold Coast is host to the world famous theme parks including Seaworld, Dreamworld, Wet n Wild and Movie World.

Broadbeach

Just a stones throw from the bright lights of Surfers Paradise but with its own unique feel, Broadbeach combines the perfect beach holiday atmosphere with a trendy, cosmopolitan vibe. High fashion shops, a selection of great restaurants, fun outdoor dining, dazzling entertainment or lazy days doing nothing at all are all part of the Schoolies Broadbeach experience. If you want to enjoy a shopping paradise, spend the day at Pacific Fair Shopping Mall. For the night owls, party hard at Platinum and Quest nightclubs, or chill out at Watergate, Alto, Element and Opium bars where you'll find the coolest DJ's on the coast. Stay close to all the action at BreakFree Neptune, Cascade Gardens and Surfers Beach.

Surfers Paradise

Welcome to Surfers Paradise, where the spirit of Schoolies was born. Splash out in the surf, kick back on the beach, hit the shops or sip a cool drink by the pool. When the sun sets it’s time to party the night away with your friends where the entertainment options seem endless and special themed events are provided exclusively for schoolies.com customers. Great restaurants and bars in Surfers include Howl at the Moon, Hogs Breath Cafe and Melbas. Or if its nightclubs that you prefer, then visit all the hottest clubs from The Bedroom, The Drink, Rose n Crown, The Shack, Shooters, Mybar, Bourbon Bar, Cocktails n Dreams and Hollywood. Try some fun activities during the day such as the Sling Shot, Vomatron and Infinity. To be close to where the action is for Schoolies, stay at Tiki Village, The Morroccan, Promenade and Monte Carlo.