Gold Coast residents and businesses
Schoolies week is sometimes referred to as a festival or event; it is essentially a holiday period where Year 12 school leavers organise end-of-school holidays in popular tourist destinations.
The Gold Coast has been a chosen destination for many Queensland high school graduates since the 1970s. Many Queensland school leavers are under 18 when they go to Schoolies.
The Queensland Government doesn't promote or encourage young people to book Schoolies holidays, however it is committed to ensuring it is as safe as possible for:
- school leavers
- residents
- businesses
- the community.
The Safer Schoolies Gold Coast Response provides support to school leavers and the local community. The Response encourages young people to engage in safe and responsible behaviour.
Important contacts during Schoolies
View a list of key contact numbers at Support.; it's handy to print and place this list behind your front reception desk.
For operational updates during the Response, please follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
In case of emergency
In case of an emergency, don't risk it. Always call Triple Zero (000).
Road closures
Due to the temporary population increase in Surfers Paradise, road closures are needed to ensure the safety of pedestrians.
Residents who can't access their building during the closures will be offered alternative car parking. Speak with your building manager or call the Safer Schoolies Hotline on 13 QGOV (13 74 68) during business hours if you have any queries.
Intermittent closures will take place along The Esplanade (between View Avenue and Laycock Street).
Other road closures may be implemented by Queensland Police Service as required.
All traffic changes are at QPS discretion. Please call the Safer Schoolies Hotline on 13 QGOV (13 74 68) if you have any queries.
Noise management
While there is amplified music during the Safer Schoolies Gold Coast Response, we ensure we follow the noise guidelines outlined by Department of Environment, Science and Innovation.
For any noise complaints regarding the Safer Schoolies Gold Coast Response, call the 24-hour Pollution Hotline on 1300 130 372.
Gold Coast local residents
Information for residents in Surfers Paradise is provided through a community newsletter in the lead up to Schoolies and contains important information about the Response including information on:
- road closures
- diversionary activities
- support services
- safety initiatives.
If you're a local Gold Coast resident and have an interest in supporting young people and helping in the community, you may like to consider volunteering.
More than 1,000 volunteers participate each year to support school leavers and the community through a range of volunteer programs.
Gold Coast businesses
Businesses operating in Schoolies destinations are encouraged to promote positive, responsible, and healthy behaviour when promoting their goods and services to school leavers.
During Schoolies, it is highly likely the young people looking to purchase your goods and/or services will be under the age of 18.
Businesses are encouraged to act in a socially responsible manner and ensure that school leavers understand their rights and responsibilities, particularly when hiring equipment.
Business may also like to consider offering discounts or special deals for school leavers.