Back in the early days, Schoolies week was a Gold Coast-only event. This has changed, these days there is an array of cool destinations that have grown into popular Schoolies week locations in their own right. There is something on offer for everyone’s different tastes. So if the Gold Coast isn’t your jam, check out these 5 alternative Schoolies destinations to hit up with your crew.
Airlie Beach
Located in the stunning Whitsundays, Airlie Beach is where you’ll find school leavers from northern Queensland choose to go for their Schoolies. The area packs out every year, but it’s not just northern Queenslanders that hit up Airlie Beach, anyone looking to spend their Schoolies in a tropical paradise (without having to leave the country), can find what they are looking for at Airlie Beach.
There is official Schoolies.com accommodation located centrally in town, close to the shops, lagoon and beach. There is heaps to do both during that day and at night. With the Great Barrier Reef on your doorstep, you can go snorkelling, diving, sailing and kayaking out on the pristine waters. Airlie Beach is seriously #AdventureGoals. After the sun goes down, the party heats up, with 7 nights of parties.
If Schoolies in this north Queensland paradise sounds like a bit of you, check out what’s on offer with Schoolies.com
here.
Byron Bay
If you haven’t heard of Byron Bay, you must have been living under a rock. This super trendy beachside town has become one of the most popular destinations for tourists from both here and overseas. It’s not hard to see why, not only is it located on the beautiful beaches on the east coast, this town and its people have a unique personality that is equal parts quirky and cool.
So what’s the go in Byron Bay for Schoolies week you ask? A favourite for school leavers from Sydney, Gold Coast and the wider NSW region, the town packs out for Schoolies every year. Schoolies.com offer several different types of accommodation, ranging from backpackers through to 4* resorts, so there are options for various budgets. When it comes to partying, there is no shortage of good times, Byron Bay has a solid line up of clubs including The Beach Hotel, Cheeky Monkeys and Cocomongas that go all out during Schoolies. Schoolies.com also organize all-ages events in Byron Bay during Schoolies.
If Byron Bay is on your Schoolies wish-list, check it out here, to see what’s available to book. Byron Bay sells out super-fast, so if you’re keen, get on it!
Victoria
If you’re located in Victoria, and want to stay reasonably local, we’ve got good news: with Schoolies.com you've got options.
Lorne is a hotspot on the Great Ocean Road, that has been a long time secret Schoolies spot for school leavers from Victoria, but the secret is out, and students from all over the country now flock to Lorne during Schoolies week. Known primarily for Falls Festival, Lorne is a cool little beach town that comes alive with Schoolies revellers every year, with plenty of events are parties happening. Check out more about Lorne here.
Another option, and only 1 hour and 20 minutes from Melbourne, is Rye. Picture safe, sandy beaches, plenty of sunshine and chilling during the day, and a vibrant party atmosphere at night. Schoolies.com have the best-located accommodation for Schoolies in Rye, less than 300m from all the action. Check it out here.
Last but definitely not least Phillip Island is another destination in Victoria that offers a cool and calm coastal spot for Schoolies. There is lots to fill your days within this beaut of a spot; swimming, surfing and checking out the amazing wildlife (there are penguin and seal colonies on Phillip Island!!). It’s not all lazy days in the sun on Philip Island, Ramada Phillip Island offer 3 nights of FREE parties and entertainment, exclusive to in house guests. Find the best place to stay on Phillip Island here.
Port Stephens
Port Stephens is a trendy spot, a convenient 2.5 hours’ drive from Sydney. It’s a long time favourite of Sydney-siders looking for a cool weekend escape, so it’s no surprise that Schoolies too now hit up this destination in droves for their end of school celebrations. At the heart of Port Stephens you’ll find Shoal Bay, which is home to a Schoolies favourite, the Shoal Bay Country Club. This is where the party is at, there are DJ’s and live music on every night throughout Schoolies. Better still, your official Schoolies.com accommodation is a beachfront resort, the Remada Shoal Bay, for details, take a look here.
Victor Harbor
For all you guys in South Australia also wanting to keep it local, Victor Harbor is where you want to be. Only 1 hour from Adelaide, this spot is well on its way to being one of the biggest Schoolies celebrations in the country. It’s got all the ingredients you need for a Schoolies week to remember, awesome beaches to chill out and lap up the sun on during the day, and a 3-day Schoolies festival for your partying pleasure. Schoolies.com have a few different accommodation options to suit different needs, you can check out what is on offer here.