Airlie Beach and other Schoolies locations

Safer Schoolies is supported by local community organisations and emergency services to provide on-ground support to keep young people and the community safe.

As part of the Airlie Beach Response, Red Frogs will be running a Recharge Zone on the outskirts of the event and a Walk Home Tent on the main street.

The Recharge Zone provides:

• free water
• a safe, supervised space to take time out if you are feeling overwhelmed
• if you have an injury
• general welfare support
• a referral point for first aid and/or other support services.

We provide a free shuttle bus service to schoolies requiring transport to their accommodation, which will service hotels and accommodation providers in the Airlie Beach and Cannonvale area.

The service will run from 10pm to 12:45am from the Heart Hotel Bus Stop.

Camping

If you are planning on going camping instead of a big celebration or organised party destination, you need to understand the rules and learn what you must, can and can’t do before you go, e.g. organising camping permits before your arrival.

Queensland Government Parks provides resources and information, including the required permits for protected areas.

These protected areas include:

• national parks
• conservation parks
• state forests
• other protected areas.

While there is so much fun to be had, there are some things that you should be aware of:

• Campfires are banned at some campgrounds and are generally banned during summer. Fires can be dangerous around a group of intoxicated people.
• K’gari – be aware of dingoes. Make sure you find out more about how to be dingo safe if you are visiting this area.
• Crocodile habitat is pretty much anywhere north of Gladstone in Queensland along the coast. You can still visit these areas by being CrocWise.
• Weather events – keep an eye on the weather and alerts.
• Beach driving – follow the rules and speed limits! Yes, there are speed limits on the beach! Yes, there are police that patrol the beaches!

Before you go, make sure you have the right equipment for where you are going and pack a first-aid kit.

If you intend to walk or camp in remote areas, leave an itinerary and contingency plan with a responsible person, including what time you are returning and steps to take if you don’t return on time.

Remember, you may not have mobile phone coverage.

Always call Triple Zero (000) if there is an emergency. Download the Emergency+App before you go.

Safety overseas

Use Smartraveller to:

• check and abide by local laws within different countries
• check visa status and vaccination requirements of where you are going.

Alcohol and drugs

Alcohol and drug laws are different in every country – in some countries, if you are caught with drugs, you will be sentenced to death.

Methanol is often used overseas to lower costs of alcohol, and it is highly toxic – as little as 1 shot can be fatal.

Locals and foreigners, including Australians, have died or become seriously ill from poisoned drinks overseas.

It can be a risk in popular destinations in:

• Asia
• Latin America
• the Middle East
• Africa
• Eastern Europe.

Some ways you can protect yourself against this is to:

• get your own drinks
• watch your drinks
• look after your mates
• know the symptoms to get help if anyone in your groups starts to display any symptoms of drink-spiking
• drink at reputable places
• buy pre-mixed sealed/ bottled drinks only.

Water safety

Water safety in foreign countries – these can be very different to what you are used to in Australia, including (but not limited to):

• contamination
• underwater objects
• rips.

Ask questions and follow any instructions.

Medication

Take medication with you, including antibiotics (see your doctor before you go).

Insurance

Make sure you have travel insurance. So much can go wrong overseas including:

• injuries
• Bali belly
• vehicle or scooter accidents
• lost passports or money
• things being stolen.

Without travel insurance, you could be paying off these bills for years.

Also keep in mind drunk and disorientated travellers are easy targets for criminals, especially for robbery and assaults. If you're drunk and something goes wrong, your travel insurance may not cover you.

Don’t hire vehicles or scooters if you are drinking/ taking drugs or the morning after – you will not be covered by your travel insurance if you register any drugs or alcohol in your system while operating a vehicle or scooter, e-bike etc.

If you have an accident and go to a hospital overseas, the medical bills could be enormous and you could be paying them off for years

Other locations

Regardless of where or how you choose to celebrate Schoolies, check for support services in the area.

Safe Night Precinct support services are available in 15 locations across Queensland. These services assist vulnerable people and those at risk of harm due to the influence of alcohol.

Red Frogs Australia provide support to school leavers across Schoolies destinations.

Always remember, be safe and watch your mates.

Support is available 24/7 via Help Contacts for Gold Coast Young People.