About Schoolies week and Safer Schoolies

The Gold Coast has become one of the most popular Schoolies destinations and the Queensland Government Safer Schoolies Initiative is dedicated to:

• helping school leavers celebrate and have fun on the Gold Coast
• promoting responsible decision-making
• encouraging school leavers to look out for themselves and their mates
• providing information, support and safety to school leavers so they can enjoy their end of year celebrations.

We want to ensure a safe and successful Schoolies week for all involved, including:

• school leavers
• residents
• businesses
• the wider community.

The Safer Schoolies team do this by:

• providing a safe, Schoolies only area known as the Schoolies Hub on Surfers Paradise Beach
• coordinating volunteers and support services to hand out cups of water, conduct street patrols and walk home services
• working with government agencies and community organisations to have on the ground support including an Emergency Treatment Centre, increased police presence, security, wanding, mental health and wellbeing support.

The dedicated safety response is a collaborative effort between the Queensland Government, City of Gold Coast, community partners and volunteers.

Legitimate school leavers can access the Hub with a Safer Schoolies wristband.

Safer Schoolies wristband registrations will open in August for Schoolies week 2026, which runs 21–27 November 2026.

To stay up-to-date with the latest Schoolies information and receive tips on getting through year 12, follow our Instagram and Facebook pages.

Our commitment to child safety

Safer Schoolies is a child-safe initiative of the Queensland Government. We are committed to the safety, wellbeing, and empowerment of all children and young people involved in our initiative. We uphold a zero-tolerance approach to harm, misconduct, and abuse, and we share responsibility for creating safe, inclusive, and supportive environments.

Under the Child Safe Organisations Act 2024 (CSO Act), Safer Schoolies has a legal and moral responsibility to prioritise the safety of children and young people. All staff, volunteers, support services and contractors must comply with the 10 Child Safe Standards (CSS) and the Reportable Conduct Scheme (RCS), ensuring child safety is embedded in governance, practices, and culture.

If you have any concerns or need assistance, please email saferschoolies@hpw.qld.gov.au.

The history of Schoolies week

• School leavers have been gathering on the Gold Coast to celebrate the end of school since the late 1970s.
• Over the next few years, the tradition of ‘Schoolies’ emerged, as Surfers Paradise became the chosen destination for a growing number of school leavers.
• By the 1980s, many community groups had developed ways of providing support for school leavers.
• In the late 1990s, the safety response model began to form, including diversionary activities and support services.
• In 2003, a plan was officially endorsed by the Queensland Government to make Gold Coast Schoolies safer for both the local community and school leavers attending.
• Today, Gold Coast Schoolies week is attended by thousands of year 12 school leavers.