Schoolies kicks off as thousands of high school leavers hit the Gold Coast to celebrate end-of-year tradition

After tough times for popular Schoolies destinations such as the Gold Coast during the pandemic years, the festivities are back in full swing in 2023.

Around 20,000 teenagers are expected to make their way to Surfers Paradise Beach, with many arriving this weekend.

Hundreds hit the clubs on Saturday night with a high school dropout dressed in a Fireball Whiskey outfit among the more bizarre costumes spotted on the night.

McDonald’s was clearly the most popular midnight snack, with several partygoers tucking into the takeaway as they ate their meal on the street.

Revelers are told to look out for their friends and put safety first.

Wearing your old school uniform (pictured) is a great way to let people know why you’re in town

Having your picture taken with a police officer (photo) is a right of passage for many schoolmates

These teenagers have their lanyards around their necks to get to different events

School uniform? Bill. Mobile phone? Bill. Carrying straps? Bill. White sneakers? Bill

Hundreds hit the clubs on Saturday night with a high school dropout dressed in a Fireball Whiskey outfit among the more bizarre costumes spotted that night

Volunteers from the Safer Schoolies initiative and Red Frogs patrol the most popular areas and provide support to those who need it.

They, the authorities and, most importantly, the school leavers themselves all play a crucial role in ensuring that the celebration of the end of exams runs smoothly.

With live music, DJs and lots of people letting off steam after graduating high school, everyone’s main goal is to have a lot of fun.

“We are sold out for week 1, with capacity back to pre-coronavirus levels for the first time this year,” said Matt Lloyd, CEO of Schoolies.com. Gold Coast Bulletin.

The two-week event, with students from NSW and Victoria arriving next weekend, is expected to be worth around $30 million to the local economy.

The Gold Coast is by far the most popular destination, with alternatives such as the Sunshine Coast, Airlie Beach and Byron Bay lagging considerably behind.

Some students travel abroad to places like Fiji or Bali.

Either this schoolboy (photo) is very tall, or the police officers he poses with are not

Sometimes you just need to take a break, sit down and put things into perspective

You can’t party all night without taking a break to eat something, as these people (pictured) know

It’s always important to find a good place to sit down for your takeaway dinner (pictured).

In case anyone forgets which Schoolies year is being celebrated, these women have 2023 written on their skirts

Raise your hands if you’re having a blast at Schoolies on the Gold Coast…

In case anyone wanted to point out the party grounds, signs like this one around Surfers Paradise helped point them in the right direction

Each Schoolies year brings a different trend, and this year it looks like we’ll be staying in more expensive accommodation.

There has been very strong demand for three of the most expensive hotels listed on Schoolies.com: the five-star Hilton Surfers Paradise, Mantra’s Circle on Cavill and Towers of Chevron.

Those staying in the Towers reportedly pay between $900 and $1,100 per person for the week, which is about half the normal weekly rate.

“The higher end accommodation is booked first these days, so the 4 and 5 star towers are very popular and book out early,” says Mr Lloyd of schoolies.com.

“Rather than looking for something cheap and cheerful, students are definitely looking for more luxurious accommodation.”

Not everyone at Schoolies is smiling all the time – these young people may have been tired

The events of that evening get 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 arriving this weekend

The two-week event, with students from NSW and Victoria arriving next weekend, is expected to be worth around $30 million to the local economy

Revelers are told to look out for their friends and put safety first

You’ll want to remember this time forever, so don’t forget to take plenty of selfies

And if a professional photographer wants to take your photo, just wave at him or her

The Queensland State Government and Gold Coast Council jointly run The Schoolies Hub as ‘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, police have mainly reported good behavior, although there have been tragic deaths in previous years, including teenagers falling from balconies.

In 2019, 18-year-old Victorian Charlie Scott fell from the 42nd floor of the Hilton.

One of the key messages of Safer Schoolies – a coordinated response in its 20th year – is ‘Be safe on the balcony.’

Apartment owners in Surfers Paradise are adopting a zero-tolerance strategy when it comes to balcony hopping.

The sign says it all: you’re in Surfers Paradise… and you’re there to have fun after your exams

A good way to make sure you don’t lose sight of your friends is to hold their hands (pictured)

Or you can just put your arms around each other, that also works to hold your friends (photo)

Sneakers, as worn by these three teenagers (pictured), are proving popular with Schoolies

If you’re too tired to walk, you might want to ask a strong friend to carry you on his shoulders (photo)

This young couple appears to be wondering where they will go on their night out in Surfers Paradise

A few more happy high school leavers enjoying their time at Surfers Paradise