Schoolies to fly north

Trip targets Insta-worthy destinations

GROUNDED schoolies unable to party in Bali this year have their sights set on the Far North as an alternative end-of-school destination.

School leavers forced to abandon South Pacific and Asian destinations due to the COVID crisis now have an option to take a week-long island hopping cruise departing Airlie Beach and arriving in Cairns.

New adventure tourism company Schoolies XP has packed some of the east coast’s most Instagrammable locations into an all-inclusive endof-year boat trip product dubbed Island Dayz.

The company’s co-founder Chris Braat said: “Whether it be partying on a boat in the Whitsundays, exploring Magnetic Island, bungy jumping in Cairns, or snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, Island Dayz incorporates the best tours, experiences and destinations on Australia’s East Coast.

“We have put together a trip that incorporates some of the most Instagrammable destinations, hottest parties, and unforgettable experiences on the planet, cramming the best of the best into one all-inclusive week.”

Year 12 Cairns student Elyra Callander can’t wait for the first tour to depart the Whitsundays on November 22.

“This tour looks awesome,” she said.

“I was looking at going to the Gold Coast, but to be honest we want something more than just drinking and partying and we are finding it hard to get our entire group in the same hotel.”

AJ Hackett general manager Danny Hughes said he was looking forward to hosting the Island Dayz tour group.

“As soon as school is out, it’s time to start your new adventure! There’s no better way than to bungy jump and taking the leap off our 50m tower to mark the start of your new life journey, doing it your way,” he said.

Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said he supported the initiative as an opportunity to showcase Cairns and Far North Queensland’s natural beauty to a new generation.

“The health crisis has made us all look outside the box for new opportunities and this initiative certainly ticks all those boxes,” Mr Entsch said.

“This initiative will support local jobs and local economies which is critically important as we navigate the road to recovery.”

Tours go on sale at 6pm on July 21 and cost from $1299. at schooliesxp.com.au