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1 year ago
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After tough times for popular Schoolies destinations such as the Gold Coast during the pandemic years, the celebrations are full steam ahead again in 2023.
Around 20,000 teenagers are expected to make their way to Surfers Paradise Beach, with many already arriving this weekend.
Hundreds hit up the clubs on Saturday night with a high school leaver dressed in a Fireball Whiskey outfit among the more bizarre costumes spotted on the night.
McDonald's was evidently the most popular midnight snack with several partygoers feasting on the takeaway food as they tucked into their meal on the streets.
The revellers are being told to look out for their friends and to keep safety at the front of their minds.
But it's perfectly acceptable to go casual (pictured) at Schoolies events too
Wearing your old school uniform (pictured) is a great way to let people know why you're in town
Getting your photo taken with a police officer (pictured) is a right of passage for many Schoolies
These teenagers have their lanyards for getting into various events around their necks
School uniform? Check. Mobile phone? Check. Lanyards? Check. White sneakers? Check
Hundreds hit up the clubs on Saturday night with a high school leaver dressed in a Fireball Whiskey outfit among the more bizarre costumes spotted on the night
Volunteers from the Safer Schoolies initiative and Red Frogs are patrolling around the most popular areas, providing support to those who need it.
They, the authorities and, most importantly, the school leavers themselves all play a vital part in making sure the end of exams celebrations run smoothly.
With live music, DJs and a lot of people letting off steam after finishing high school, the main aim of everyone is to have a lot of fun.
'We have sold out for Week 1, with capacity back to pre-Covid levels for the first time this year,' Schoolies.com CEO Matt Lloyd told the Gold Coast Bulletin.
The two-week event, which will see students from NSW and Victoria arriving next weekend, is expected to be worth around $30million to the local economy.
The Gold Coast is by far the most popular destination, with alternatives such as Sunshine Coast, Airlie Beach and Byron Bay quite a way behind.
Some students splash out for a trip abroad to places such as Fiji or Bali.
Either this schoolie (pictured) is very tall, or the police officers he is posing with are not
Sometimes you just need to take a break, have a sit down and put things in perspective
You can't party all night without taking a break for some food, as these people (pictured) know
Finding a good place to sit down to eat your takeaway dinner (pictured) is always important
Just in case anyone forgets what Schoolies year is being celebrated, these women have 2023 written on their skirts
Put your hands up if you're having a lot of fun at Schoolies on the Gold Coast...
In case anyone needed to have the party area pointed out to them, signs like this around Surfers Paradise helped steer them in the right direction
Every Schoolies year brings a different trend, and this year's one seems to be staying in higher end accomodation.
There has been very strong demand for three of the most expensive hotels listed on Schoolies.com — the 5-star Hilton Surfers Paradise, Mantra's Circle on Cavill and Towers of Chevron.
Those staying in the Towers are reportedly paying between $900 and $1,100 each for a week, which is about half the regular weekly price.
'The more expensive accommodation is what books out first these days, so the 4 and 5-star towers are very, very popular and book out early,' Mr Lloyd of schoolies.com said.
'Instead of looking at something cheap and cheerful, students are definitely looking for more luxury accommodation.'
Not everybody at Schoolies smiles all the time - these young people may have been tired
The night's events get a two thumbs up from the young man on the right of this photo
Around 20,000 teenagers are expected to make their way to Surfers Paradise Beach, with many already arriving this weekend
The two-week event, which will see students from NSW and Victoria arriving next weekend, is expected to be worth around $30million to the local economy
The revellers are being told to look out for their friends and to keep safety at the front of their minds
You will want to remember this time forever, so remember to take plenty of selfies
And if a professional photographer wants to take your photo, give him or her a wave
Queensland's state government and the Gold Coast council jointly run The Schoolies Hub to be 'a proven diversion away from the streets, beaches, hotel rooms and balconies for legitimate Year 12 school leavers of all ages'.
So far in 2023, the police have reported mostly good behaviour, though some previous years have seen tragic deaths, including teenagers falling to their deaths from balconies.
In 2019, 18-year-old Victorian Charlie Scott fell from the 42nd floor of the Hilton.
One of the most important messages from Safer Schoolies - a coordinated response in its 20th year - is 'Be balcony safe.'
Surfers Paradise apartment owners have a zero-tolerance strategy to balcony hopping.
The sign says is it all - you are in Surfers Paradise... and you are there to have fun after your exams
A good way of making sure you don't lose track of your friends is to hold their hand (pictured)
Or you could just put you arms around each other, that works for keeping hold of your friends too (pictured)
Sneakers, such as worn by these three teens (pictured) are proving popular at Schoolies
If you are too tired to walk any more, maybe you can get a strong friend to carry you on their shoulders (pictured)
This young couple seem to be pondering where to go next on their night out in Surfers Paradise
Another pair of happy high school leavers enjoying their time at Surfers Paradise
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