SUNSHINE 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.

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.