Gold Coast businesses brace for Schoolies, 2024

Surfers Paradise is bracing for the annual Schoolies influx - with businesses preparing for the highs and lows. But it’s not all fun and games.

Businesses are bracing for a rollercoaster couple of weeks, with tens of thousands of Schoolies tipped to flood the Surfers Paradise precinct from Saturday for coming weeks.

Official commercial entity Schoolies.com is anticipating an influx of 30,000 students across the two-week event, with numbers returning to pre-Covid levels as businesses gear up for a busy — or in some cases quiet — fortnight ahead.

One venue partner for Schoolies events across Surfers Paradise, Artesian Hospitality will host more than 18 school-leavers parties.

Managing partner Matt Keegan said more staff and added security were on deck for the bumper period.

Matt Keegan. Picture: Nigel Hallett

“We’re anticipating similar trade to last year – the numbers that we’re getting indicate some of the official bookings are down, but that’s been expected from a business perspective,” he said.

“We’ve seen an increase in people booking through platforms like Airbnb and other direct platforms.

“So we expect that, while there may be some decreases in some areas, that it’ll be picked up with increases in other areas.”

Mr Keegan said added security were standard practice during Schoolies, however the Glitter Strip had experienced a significant decline in Schoolies-related issues over the past few years.

Cali Beach would play host to opening and closing parties while providing entertainment for both underage and over-18 events.

Graduating year 12 school leavers party during the Schoolies week celebrations in Surfers Paradise. Picture: Sergio Dionisio/Getty Images

“Cali Beach will only be closed to the public during the official Schoolies welcoming and closing parties on the Sundays and Thursdays, but outside of that Bedroom, Havana, Tempo and Surfers Pavilion will all trade completely as normal,” Mr Keegan said.

“There’s nothing stopping the public from coming through and still enjoying their regular weekend.”

Cocktails nightclub owner Lino Girardi, a Glitter Strip veteran, said the venue would host six alcohol-free events across the fortnight.

“We’re still expecting it to be pretty busy and will be open seven nights a week,” he said.

“As part of the conditions of our alcohol-free events, we’ve had to shut for at least an hour between alcohol free and then opening up as normal.”

Charlie Jackson Brown (left), Jules Simionato, Lachlan Christopher Thompson, Noelle Wright, and Joel William Markey, celebrate their time during day two of the annual Schoolies at Surfers Paradise beach, Gold Coast, November 19, 2023. Photo: Regi Varghese

Mr Girardi said his team was looking forward to a “busy couple of weeks” following regular meetings with authorities to make sure everything was in order for the graduate celebrations.

But not every trader is in the same boat.

For the first time in its 38 years, Italian restaurant Costa Dora will close its doors for four days across week one of Schoolies.

Situated in the heart of the party precinct on Orchid Ave, owner Nuccia Fusco said week one of Schoolies celebrations made for the restaurant’s quietest week of the year.

She’s taking advantage of the lull to fit a new kitchen for the usually busy venue.