Schoolies kicks off on the Gold Coast as thousands of teenagers hit the Glitter Strip loaded up with speakers, booze and toilet paper
For decades, Schoolies has been a rite of passage and one of the most anticipated weeks for high school students following the slog of HSC exams.
For decades, Schoolies has been a rite of passage and one of the most anticipated weeks for high school students following the slog of HSC exams.
On Saturday, 20,000 teenagers descended on the Gold Coast to kick off a week of celebrations and load up on all of the party essentials.
Donning the official safer Schoolies bucket hats and pink lanyard, many were seen unloading their luggage outside their accommodation in Surfers Paradise before they hit the shops to stock up on ice, alcohol and toilet paper.
Many even brought their own subwoofer boombox stereo systems from home.
As the sun went down the celebrations kicked off with dozens of teens enjoying the view from their high-rise accommodation and the taste of their new-found freedom.
Teens are being told to look out for their friends and to keep safety at the front of their minds as they enter the action-packed event.
Volunteers from the Safer Schoolies initiative and Red Frogs attended check-in and were seen patrolling the most popular areas.
Pop-up tents will be set up each night to provide assistance to Schoolies revellers that may require medical assistance.
Schoolies is one of the most anticipated weeks for high school students
These school leavers were all-smiles as they arrived for a week of celebrations on Saturday
A group of sensible men arrived with a wagon full of bottled water and toilet paper
These girls threw up a peace sign as they shopped for essentials on the Gold Coast
The hot weather called for loads of ice and Vodka Cruisers
School leavers can visit Recharge Zones within the Schoolies Hub and along the Esplanade for water and assistance.
For the first time ever, pill testing has been introduced at Schoolies.
Queensland is one of only three jurisdictions in the nation to have legalised pill testing with its Labor government hopeful the new measure will keep school leavers safe.
Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said confidential and free pill testing would feature at the end-of-year event at a cost of $80,000.
The Schoolies service was offered after national data showed women aged 18 to 24 were taking illicit drugs at the same rate as young men for the first time since records began.
The two-week event, which will see students from NSW and Victoria arriving next weekend is considered the most popular destination
Although festivities have now also spread to the Sunshine Coast, Byron Bay and even overseas to Fiji and Bali.
For the first time ever, pill testing has been introduced at Schoolies
Spirits were high as school leavers checked into their accomodation
These teens enjoyed a group hug before the first night of celebrations
This man was seen stacking four cases of alcoholic beverages
Some school leavers chose to accessorise with fluffy pink hats
Teens were seen pushing their suitcases down the Glitter Strip on Saturday
A number of teens arrived with their own boombox stereo system (pictured)
Teens donned Birkenstock slides as they arrived for the first week of Gold Coast Schoolies
These men grappled with several bags of groceries and cases of beer
Young shoppers get supplies (pictured) on Saturday as Schoolies takes off on the Gold Coast
Teens made sure to remember their sun-safe bucket hats and their lanyards on Saturday
