By Tara McBarron.
Schoolies Week (aka Schoolies) is a rite of passage for thousands of Year 12 students in Australia, involving a week-long celebration of the end of their final year exams. Schoolies started in the 1970s on the Gold Coast and was only really participated in by single-sex private schools. It has since grown into a nationwide event that sees new school leavers travel all over Australia, and sometimes internationally, to let their hair down and celebrate the end of their schooling years.
While Schoolies is an amazingly liberating and extremely memorable time for many, it can also be a little hectic when a bunch of 17- and 18-year-olds with no responsibilities get together. Even more concerning for school leavers (and their parents) is the array of outsiders who see Schoolies as an opportunity to take advantage of the young, over-excited revellers.
But don't worry! It isn't all doom-and-gloom. A little preparation, some street smarts, and general common sense can go a long way to making sure you stay safe at Schoolies.
Jump To: When Is Schoolies?, Where Should I Go?, What Do I Need To Do Before Schoolies?, What Are Some Safety Tips?, What Do I Do In An Emergency?, How To Deal With Emergency Services?, Final Tips & Tricks.
To allow popular destinations to deal with the influx of school leavers, Schoolies (or “Leavers” if you're from Western Australia) is separated into different dates depending on which state you went to school in.
Queensland: November 21 to November 27.
Western Australia: November 23 to November 26.
New South Wales and Victoria: November 28 to December 12.
Traditionally, Schoolies has always meant a trip to the sunny Gold Coast, especially for East Coast students, however the growing popularity of Schoolies means many destinations now cater for school leavers between late November and early December. Some travel as far as Europe to celebrate the end of exams, but for many cash-strapped students, a destination closer to home is a cheaper, more realistic option. There are many Schoolies hotspots; here are just a few and the important contact details you need to know:
Gold Coast University Hospital: 1 Hospital Blvd, Southport QLD 4215
Phone: 1300 744 284
Surfers Paradise Police Station: 23 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217
Phone: (07) 5657 6888
Busselton Health Campus: Mill Rd, Busselton, WA 6280
Phone: (08) 9753 6000
Busselton Police Station: 12 Stanley St, Busselton, WA 6280
Phone: (08) 9754 9555
BIMC Hospital Kuta: Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung
Phone: +62 361 761263
Bali Tourist Police: Jl. Kartika, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, 80361
Great Ocean Road Health: Albert Street, Lorne, VIC 3232
Phone: (03) 5289 4300
Lorne Police Station: 44 Smith St, Lorne VIC 3232
Phone: (03) 5289 2712
Nadi Hospital: Hospital Rd Nadi, Fiji
Phone: +679 670 1128
Namaka Police Station: Namaka Nadi, Nadi, Fiji
Byron Central Hospital: 54 Ewingsdale Rd, Ewingsdale NSW 2481
Phone: (02) 6639 9400
Byron Bay Police Station: 2 Shirley St, Byron Bay NSW 2481
Phone: (02) 6685 9499
Choosing your destination will depend on where you live, your budget and what type of experience you are looking to get out of Schoolies. If you're looking for a more chilled trip with your friends, Byron Bay in northern NSW or Lorne on Victoria's Great Ocean Road are both great options. If you're after an action-packed week of clubbing, it's difficult to go past Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast. Busselton is a good cheap option for students from Western Australia or you can get very affordable flights to Bali from Perth.
It is important to do your homework when booking your accommodation; after all, a little preparation goes a long way. Be sure to book through a recognised provider and do some research on your destination to make sure you're not stuck miles outside of town (unless that's what you're after). Be organised and book in advance to avoid disappointment, places fill up very quickly.
If you're travelling to another state or internationally, make sure you get your flights sorted well in advance because prices can really jack up if you leave it too late to book. You'll probably be so excited about Schoolies that you definitely won't miss your outbound flight, but your flight home is a different story. If you've booked cheap flights they'll either be really late at night or early in the morning. So, be wise and fit your partying around your flights, because your flights definitely won't fit around your partying!
This is a no-brainer. There’s a million things that can go wrong when you're travelling, even if it's only a domestic trip. Book with a trusted travel insurance provider – like 1Cover – and be sure to read the product disclosure statement (PDS) so you are aware of any general exclusions that could affect you. Don't forget to let your provider know if you have any pre-existing medical conditions that you need covered.
There is going to be a lot of partying at Schoolies. A lot. We're not saying don't have a great time, but a little bit of smarts can stop a night out turning into a night in the hospital, jail, not making it out, or waking up on the beach with third-degree sunburn. The possibilities are endless. It's also important to remember that if you have been drinking excessively or taking drugs that have not been prescribed to you by a healthcare professional then you will not be covered for any event relating to this by your travel insurance policy. Here are our top tips for safe partying:
- Eating is not cheating. Failing to eat if you're going drinking is just asking for trouble.
- If someone tells you drinking water between rounds is not cool, they're wrong. Stay hydrated and drink plenty of H2O. Your head and body will thank you.
- Drink spiking with alcohol is the most common form of spiking. Always watch your drinks being poured.
- You will not be covered by your travel insurance for events relating to you being intoxicated.
- If you suspect your friend is having a bad reaction to a drug, seek medical help immediately.
- Australian police don't care if you've done drugs once or a hundred times but possession is a crime.
- The death penalty still exists for drug offences in Bali.
- You will not be covered by your travel insurance for events relating to you being under the influence of illegal drugs.
- Be safe, use protection. Sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy are a real risk if you don't.
- Never feel pressured into having sex if you don't want to. That means friends as well as strangers.
- Drinking or using drugs decreases your ability to make good decisions and safer choices.
- Sexually transmitted diseases are not covered by your travel insurance.
- Methanol poisoning is something to be mindful of if you're travelling to Bali or Southeast Asia.
- Methanol is found in home-brewed alcohol (also known as Arak) which hasn't been distilled correctly. So make sure you know what you are drinking!
- Avoid Arak; even the official stuff can be deadly.
- Avoid spirits. This includes cocktails. If you are set on drinking spirits, buy the whole bottle of a brand you know, make sure it's sealed, and open it yourself to share with friends.
- The symptoms of methanol poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, blurred or reduced vision, confusion, drowsiness and difficulty breathing. If you start to feel any symptoms go to hospital ASAP!
- Fake event tickets. This is really common. You'll be approached by someone selling tickets to the party of the year that you totally can't miss, and it's often their enthusiasm that tricks you into agreeing. Turns out this party is a total myth, and you've shelled out $40 for absolutely nothing.
- Fake police. This isn't so common in Australia but it's a serious problem overseas. A person dressed in a police uniform may ask you to pay a cash fine on the spot (aka a bribe) to prevent you from being taken to jail. Always check the officer's ID if you are in any doubt, but ensure you are polite about this.
- Dodgy taxis. Once again, this is a bigger problem overseas but taxi drivers in Australia have been known to try and rip people off, especially if you look like you're from out of town or drunk. Be sure the tariff number is correct for the time of day you are travelling at, and if you can help it, don't get in a cab on your own.
- Toolies. Toolies are people who had too much fun on their first time at Schoolies so came back for another go. This may seem understandable, but in reality an older person hanging around a bunch of 17- and 18-year-old kids going wild is extremely creepy. Much of the trouble that happens during Schoolies celebrations are caused by Toolies, be that violence or sexual assaults.
- Injuries. If you've ever been to the emergency room on a Saturday night, you'll understand how chaotic hospitals can be. Guaranteed this will be a million times worse during Schoolies week, so you'll want to do your absolute best to stay away from hospitals. The biggest cause of injury at Schoolies is lacerated feet, so always have some form of footwear on, even if it's just your thongs. The cause of the biggest injuries at Schoolies is balconies. Be extremely careful around these, and completely avoid them if you've had a few. Never, ever attempt to climb balconies or jump from one balcony to another.
- Robberies. If you're young and have been drinking, you may as well have a target painted on your back. Your lowered inhibitions will make you less cautious of potentially dangerous situations. Don't walk around with lots of cash, keep your wallet in your front pocket and consider reverting back to your old phone and leaving your current one at home.
- The ocean. Most Schoolies destinations are on the beach, so make the most of it! That being said, the ocean should be treated with respect, especially if you're an inexperienced swimmer or have been drinking. Always listen to the directions of lifeguards and if in doubt, don't go out. Also, partying when you've got a beetroot face isn't a good look, so bring plenty of sunscreen if you're spending the day at the beach.
If things turn sour, it's often important to act quickly. Here are the first three things you should do should if the following situations occur:
- Call an ambulance immediately
- Try to keep them awake
- Turn the person on their side if unconscious
- Walk away
- If that doesn't work, move towards police or security
- Stay close to others, don’t wander off on your own
- Call emergency services if you or a friend is in need of urgent medical assistance
- Contact a sexual assault service (these are available at most hospitals)
- Report the incident to the police
- The most common form of drink spiking is with alcohol; always watch your drinks being poured and never leave them unattended
- Let the bar staff know
- If you suspect you or a friend has been spiked with drugs go to the hospital
- Pre-arrange a meeting spot
- Don't panic if you do get split up
- If it's been a few hours and your friends haven't returned to your accommodation, contact the police
- If you are at a bar or club check with the staff
- Contact your service provider to put a block on it, especially if you are overseas
- If you want to claim it on your travel insurance, you will need to report it to the police and get a copy of the report
Schoolies (especially on the Gold Coast) is one of the most heavily policed events in Australia. Remember that the police are there to help you, but their patience is not endless. If you come into contact with the police it is important to be respectful and stay calm, there's a fair chance they have spent the last few weeks dealing with drunk teenagers.
When dealing with the police always remember:
- If you've done nothing wrong you have nothing to worry about
- There are times when you must give your name and address if the police ask for them
- Lying to the police is a serious offence
When dealing with police overseas always remember to:
- Remain calm, stressing out won't help anyone
- Always be respectful and polite
- Police in places such as Bali have been known to ask for bribes, so don't carry huge amounts of cash
- If you are arrested overseas, you have the right to contact the Australian Government, but consular assistance cannot override local law
This goes without saying, but do your best to avoid the hospital. Hospitals in any destination where Schoolies celebrations are being held can be an absolute circus. However, if you do need serious emergency attention do not hesitate to seek treatment. If you need to go to the hospital remember the following:
- Get a copy of your Medicare card well before your departure date
- Keep a list of any medications you're taking or anything you're allergic to in your wallet
- Bring a phone charger if possible to make sure you can keep in touch with your parents
- If there is a medical emergency, call an ambulance, don't try and get to the hospital yourself
- If you're unsure of anything, don't be afraid to ask questions
Don't hesitate to go to hospital if you or a friend is having a bad reaction to drugs. Time is of the essence in such situations and a life is far more important than anything else. Hospital staff are there to help, not get mad at you. The police do not get involved in overdoses unless they are called.
Be aware that while the police do not attend overdoses in Australia, this is not the case overseas. In many Asian countries there can be serious legal consequences for you or your friends ending up in hospital due to using illegal drugs. The smartest option? Don't take drugs. It's just not worth it.
A lot of people complain about this, but it’s really very simple. Take photos of your accommodation when you check in, clean up regularly so there's not a mad scramble on the last day, and most importantly don't trash the place.
If you need medical assistance then this will save you a lot of time. However, it won't do you much good overseas. This is where having your travel insurance policy details in your wallet will come in handy.
Head to the Schoolies website to book official parties and accommodation for your destination. Booking through an established provider means you know exactly what you’re paying for, and it helps you avoid the fake tickets and dodgy accommodation listings we mentioned above. And if you’re heading to Queensland, register for a free Safer Schoolies wristband through the Queensland Government’s Safer Schoolies website. You’ll need it to get into the Schoolies Hub in Surfers Paradise.
If you're heading overseas always take photocopies of your passport. Never give your actual passport to anyone other than police or airport authorities, there have been incidents of travellers having to pay bribes to get their passports back from accommodation providers.
Give a copy of your itinerary to your parents or guardian before you head off. This will help relieve some of their stress if they can’t contact you while you’re in the air.
When you travel to Schoolies you should always take out travel insurance. We cover both international and domestic trips for Schoolies. Our comprehensive policies cover multiple things including medical assistance, overseas medical expenses, cancellation costs, luggage and personal effects and personal liability. It also provides you (and, more importantly, your parents) with peace of mind. Get a quote now!
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