Schoolies record tipped for Coast

A RECORD crowd of up to 20,000 school leavers will descend on the Glitter Strip as the annual Schoolies celebration returns for the first year without the shadow of heavy Covid restrictions.

A month out, accommodation has been booked out across Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The Safer Schoolies Gold Coast response team have revealed what school leavers and the community can expect ahead of the week-long event.

Significantly less Covid-19 restrictions can be expected compared to 2021 and 2020 – in line with state government guidelines – but schoolies will be expected to stay Covid-safe.

The Schoolies hub – offering free nightly entertainment from 7pm until midnight on Surfers Paradise beach – will return from Saturday, November 19 to Friday, November 25.

A Department of Environment and Science spokesman said the biggest shake-up would be a Tuesday night silent disco to replace movies.

“It has been initiated after police concerns that school leavers need something to bring them out of their rooms and into the hub on every night of the response,” he said.

“It has no noise impact on the Surfers Paradise residential community … ”

Elements to return this year include wristbands to identify genuine Year 12 school leavers, a health and wellbeing space, recharge zones in the Schoolies hub and along the Esplanade, as well as a nightly chill out zone on Orchid Ave.

There will be an increased police presence, volunteer patrols and support from the Red Frogs in hotels in Surfers Paradise and through their hotline.

Central booking website Schoolies.com spokesman Matt Lloyd said those who had not already organised accommodation on the Gold Coast for the week would need to reconsider their plans.

“November 19 to 26 is totally sold out,” Mr Lloyd said.

“This situation really reinforces the need to get your friends organised and book well in advance. Each year, we accommodate a number of late bookings at Broadbeach if Surfers Paradise accommodation is sold out. “

Mr Lloyd said he was not aware of reports of accommodation scams or overcharging.

“I have asked our reservations team if they have come across any instances of this – they advised that they have not,” he said.

“We always recommend booking via a reputable operator.”