What Is Schoolies In Australia?

If you’ve already touched down in Australia and are enjoying your time somewhere along the East Coast, you may have heard people talking about Schoolies. The celebration, which runs from late November through to early December, is huge among graduating Aussie students and takes place across a number of popular East Coast destinations. Here’s everything you need to know about Schoolies week!

What is Schoolies in Australia?

Schoolies is a week-long holiday taken by graduating high school students in Australia after they finish their final Year 12 exams. It’s a tradition that has been celebrated among Aussie students since the 1970s. Students head off to popular holiday destinations around the country and beyond to enjoy a week of freedom, fun, and partying as they mark the end of their school years. If you're not fresh out of high school and thinking of joining in, be warned - showing up to a Schoolies event as an older guest will definitely earn you the nickname 'toolie'. We don't think you need to be from Australia to understand that that's not a compliment! 

What happens at Schoolies?

What happens at Schoolies depends on where you choose to celebrate it. Typically, groups of graduates will book a week of accommodation at their chosen Schoolies destination and enjoy a week of events ranging from beach parties and concerts to adventure tours. There are dedicated companies that run graduate-friendly events at Schoolies hotspots, from wristband-only festivals and all-ages parties, to make sure that everyone who gets involved in the celebrations has a safe, fun time.

Popular Schoolies Destinations

Year 12 graduates have some fantastic destinations to choose from for Schoolies week. While some choose to celebrate abroad and jet off to Fiji or Bali, most opt for holiday hotspots around Australia - particularly along the East Coast. 

Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a huge Schoolies hot spot thanks to its huge range of fun-filled trips to the Whitsundays, a thriving nightlife scene, and a Schoolies Festival. Local nightclubs and bars in central Airlie will also get involved in the celebrations, throwing special Schoolies events to keep everyone entertained. During the day, there’s heaps of activities and tours to book, from snorkelling trips around the Whitsunday Islands to exhilarating skydives. Check out our top recommendations for things to do around the Whitsunday Islands for some inspiration while you're there!

Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is unquestionably the most famous spot for Schoolies week. Thousands of graduating students flock to the sunny city for two weeks of rooftop DJ sets and resort pool parties. Across the city, dedicated Schoolies events for all ages will be held at popular nightlife venues and on the beach. Beyond the parties, Schoolies can spend their days visiting the Gold Coast’s top theme parks, sunbaking in the sand, surfing, or jet-skiing! What’s not to love? Here's a list of our favourite activities to do in the Gold Coast.

Byron Bay

Graduates looking for a more chilled out Schoolies week head over to beachy, bohemian Byron Bay. With legendary surf spots, stunning natural swim holes, and sunset drum circles, Byron is a great spot for students to mark the end of their school days. By day, students can kayak, snorkel, and explore the nearby hinterland. By night they can expect all-age parties, beach bashes, and local live music to keep the party going all night. Take a look through the top 10 things to do in Byron Bay.

Noosa

Nearby, Noosa is one of a few Schoolies hotspots along the Sunshine Coast, alongside Mooloolaba, Alexandra Headlands, Coolum, and Maroochydore. If you’re looking for a relaxed atmosphere, there are white sand beaches and trendy cafes and boutiques to enjoy, while those seeking a little more action can opt for exhilarating water sports or even a visit to Australia Zoo! For more inspo, these are our top 10 things to do in Noosa.

How long does Schoolies go for?

Schoolies celebrations typically span two weeks in November. In 2024, the first week will run from the 16th to the 23rd, followed by the second week from the 23rd of November to the 1st of December. The week that students attend depends on their graduation dates: week one is mainly for Queensland students, while week two caters to those from New South Wales, Victoria, and other states, where the school year finishes slightly later.

Is Schoolies safe?

Many initiatives and measures are in place to ensure that Schoolies week is both safe and fun for school-leavers. Along with a strong police presence, Red Frogs volunteers play a crucial role by patrolling popular Schoolies hotspots and accommodations, providing support to young people who may feel overwhelmed by the party atmosphere. These volunteers, easily recognized by their hi-vis vests and red frog logos, help ensure that Schoolies get home safely, offer emotional support, and organise alcohol-free entertainment. Additionally, companies like Schoolies.com create exclusive Schoolies-only zones, accessible with a dedicated pass, to prevent ‘toolies’ from entering.

Are you planning to hit the East Coast of Australia for your Schoolies holiday? Get in touch with our travel experts to plan some awesome activities during your visit!

If you're a little too old to be attending Schoolies week but are keen to live it up along the East Coast, take a look through our top tour itineraries.