About 15,000 school leavers have descended on the Gold Coast for the annual Schoolies week, a rite of passage that has evolved since the first party at Broadbeach in the 1970s. The event, centred on Surfers Paradise, features costume themes, dance parties, and a dedicated safety hub managed by the Queensland government.
Among the revellers is Brendan, 18, from Brisbane, who extended his trip by three nights. He described the highlight as meeting new people. “Everyone’s the same age, and everyone’s just here to have a good time,” he said. The official hub, established in 2003, operates from 7pm to midnight, with roads closed and teenagers wearing fluorescent pink lanyards behind fencing to keep out tourists and older “toolies”.
Despite the party atmosphere, authorities reported a decline in incidents. Acting district director of Queensland Ambulance Service, Justin Payne, said only 18 of 479 patients required hospitalisation, mostly for intoxication or minor injuries. “A decade ago we’d have to transport around 40 people a night,” he noted. Acting chief superintendent Brett Jackson reported 20 arrests, down on previous years, attributing the change to a “changing culture” of “kids looking after each other”.
During the day, the streets are quiet as most schoolies sleep until midday. Activities include swimming, eating at takeaway shops, and lounging by the pool. Mia, 17, described the routine as “low-key chill”. The Hilton hotel, a major accommodation site, hosts exclusive pool parties, with penthouse rooms costing $1,500 for the week.
