A Queensland drug and alcohol support organisation says Schoolies heading overseas should be just as careful – if not more so – as those following the traditional road to the Gold Coast.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Around 50,000 17-year-olds will leave their school gates for the final time on Friday, with 90 per cent of them descending on the glitter strip for a week of celebrations.
Lives Lived Well CEO Mitchell Giles said Schoolies at Surfers Paradise was now a well-oiled machine, with a 24-hour police patrols, security at acccommodation, Red Frog volunteers and alcohol-free activities, concerts and parties which require special Schoolies ID.
"What is a concern is that young people are going offshore and heading to areas where alcohol may be more readily available and where they may, for example, be able to partake in one-hour free drinks packages and other specials and discounts, as being offered via Schoolies Week websites," he said.
"Getting drunk or taking drugs in unfamiliar environments may put young people at risk of serious harm and have long lasting consequences, including facing tough legal penalties, harsher than what they would likely face in Australia."
He said the key message no matter where Schoolies were celebrating was for friends to stick together and be responsible for each other.
"We urge them to plan ahead, know the risks...so that Schoolies Week is remembered for only fun reasons."
Safety and support network Red Frogs will have a presence in Bali for the third year in a row, with 32 volunteers paying their own way in order to man a Schoolies hub in Kuta Square.
6000 Schoolies are expected to visit Bali in between November 22 and December 6.
Red Frogs work with the Australian consulate, local hospitals, Kuta Police and up to 20 hotels across Kuta, Legian and Seminyak.
Founded in 1997 and run as an initiative of Brisbane's Citipointe Church, the Red Frogs now have 1700 volunteers nationally.
Most of those will be in Surfers Paradise for Schoolies' Week, and will hand out an estimated seven tonnes of Allen's Frogs Alive, their mascot lollies.
They are also expected to cook more than 50,000 pancakes and walk more than 3000 schoolies back to their accommodation, often helping clean up while there.
Help might come in handy for many schoolies, who are increasingly opting for fancy digs for their first week of freedom.
One of the largest accommodation booking sites, Schoolies.com, said it was noticing a trend towards luxury resorts over hostels or budget hotels.
CEO Matt Lloyd said seven nights at the Hilton Surfers Paradise started from $712 per person.
"Schoolies are more organised than ever, they are booking a year or sometimes two years in advance, they have a budget plan and they know what they want," he said.
"Many see it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity so they get their mates together and splash out on the very best hotels and services to make it as special as possible.
Waves at Byron Bay and the Whitsundays Resort at Airlie Beach were other top picks for cashed-up schoolies.
Meanwhile almost 600 students have signed up for the Scripture Union's "positive options" events, which take them on outdoor adventures in the Whitsundays, Sunshine Coast or Fraser Island.
SU Qld programs development officer Andrew Beavers said it's their largest intake since the program began in 2000.
"It's Schoolies with no regrets," he said.
"Studies show that a large proportion of Schoolies who went to the Gold Coast had a week that didn't reach their expectations. We want to provide options that surpass expectations."
Lives Lived Well Schoolies Guide
Have fun
You don't need alcohol or drugs to have a good time, there are plenty of water sports, music events, day trips, amusement parks and fun to be had without them.
Drink safe
If you do drink, make sure you eat a full meal beforehand, stick to your limits, finish each drink rather than topping up and drink water between alcoholic drinks.
Crack it
If overseas, avoid cocktails and spirits and consume only bottled drinks where the top is still sealed so that it cracks open. Drinks can be contaminated with methanol.
Watch them
Don't leave your drinks unattended and if you feel your drink may have been spiked, leave it, don't drink it.
Assess risks
Drinking alcohol or taking drugs impairs your judgment, so first look around – know where your fire exits are, observe any potential problems or safety risks and decide what you would do if a problem were to arise.
Don't mix it
Don't mix alcohol and drugs; don't mix drugs or alcohol with prescribed drugs; don't mix drinking and swimming or surfing; don't drink and drive; don't drink and have unwanted sex. You can say no. And if someone says no to you, respect that.
Don't try it
Synthetic drugs are not legal or safer than other drugs. You don't know what's in them or how they will affect you.
Don't do it
Don't take drugs overseas as the laws and penalties will be different in other countries to what you are used to in Australia. It's just not worth it.
Know the harms
Drugs will put you at risk of harm or injury and we urge you not to take them, however, if you do, know the effects of the drug beforehand. Most likely, you will not really know what is in the drug, so have your friends around you at all times.
Stay legal
Taking drugs is illegal and penalties apply. Also, if you are aged over 18 years, know that buying alcohol for your underage friends can result in big fines.
Call for help
Paramedics will not report drug-takers to police unless they are violent or involved in serious crime. It is ok to tell paramedics what drug you or a friend has taken as they are only there to save lives. Don't hesitate to call an ambulance.
