Schoolies 2019 Survival Guide: Everything Schoolies need to know about Gold Coast celebrations

Heading to Schoolies on the Gold Coast? Here’s everything you need to know to have a good time.

PLENTY of water and your mum’s lasagne – that’s the recipe for survival at this year’s Gold Coast Schoolies celebrations.

As 18,000 school-leavers prepare to party the night away on the Glitter Strip, Red Frogs volunteers are also preparing to help keep them safe.

National co-ordinator Andy Gourley said the most important thing for partygoers to bring with them was simple: food.

“That’s the big thing when we rock into rooms and there’s just one half-eaten apple and a pack of Mi Goreng noodles on the floor,” he said.

“Get mum or dad, whoever’s the best cook, to make up lasagnes, spaghetti bologneses, get heaps of meals there.

Andy Gourley founded Red Frogs years ago. Pics Adam Head

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“That combats the whole ‘eating is cheating’ thing as well.”

And schoolies should have plenty of water on hand.

“Buy some slabs of water, because alcohol dehydrates you,” he said.

“Gotta get the clear beers in you. I think half of our alcohol-related issues are dehydration issues as well, so it’s really, really, important.

“The other thing is just be yourself at Schoolies. If you don’t normally drink like a fish every weekend, why start now?”

Ahead of the next two weeks of Schoolies festivities, the Australian Drug Foundation advised revellers to be aware of the risks of drugs and alcohol and to make the best decisions they can.

Schoolies should keep this advice in mind. Picture AAP/David Clark

The foundation said that Schoolies who would be drinking alcohol should try alternating an alcoholic drink with water to avoid drinking too much too soon, as well as dodging a nasty hangover the next day by staying hydrated.

Kids Helpline warned schoolies to stay in groups, avoid balconies, pools and the beach after drinking, and to trust their instincts.

RED FROGS – 1300 557 123

Red Frogs will be patrolling the streets to keep things safe throughout Schoolies. They can provide:

*Walk homes

*Assistance with room cleaning

*Pancake breakfasts

Party on! Picture: John Gass

VOLUNTEERS

Safer Schoolies volunteers in bright orange vests will patrol in groups of four.

They can provide:

*Walk homes

*Help to the Recharge Zones

*First aid, emergency medical treatment

*Help to medical and mental health services

*General information and directions

*General items (band aids, condoms)

EMERGENCY/SAFETY NUMBERS

*Police/Ambulance/Firefighters – Triple-0

*Drug Arm – 07 5532 0717

*Surfers Paradise Day/Night Pharmacy – 07 5502 1321

Open 7am-midnight daily.

*Surfers Paradise Day/Night Medical Centre – 07 5592 2299

Open 7am-11pm daily.

*Exceptional Dental – 07 5504 7002

Open 9am-5pm daily.

Stay safe. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

SCHOOLIES HUB

Central Surfers Paradise will be fenced nightly for exclusive access by those with Schoolies wristbands.

This is a drug and alcohol free environment. It operates from 7pm to 12am.

The hub can be accessed near Cavill Mall.

DROP-OFFS

The Surfers Paradise Transit Centre in Beach Rd is the best drop-off and meeting place.

RECHARGE ZONES

*Recharge Zones are free, private places to rest, rehydrate and receive support.

They operate nightly between 7pm and midnight.

*Zone 1: inside the Schoolies Hub, near North Stage

*Zone 2: on the Esplanade outside the Schoolies Hub, between Hanlan St & Cavill Mall

*Zone 3: inside the Schoolies Hub, near South Stage

Thousands are set to party on the Gold Coast. Picture AAP/David Clark

CHILL OUT ZONE

The Chill Out Zone is similar to the Recharge Zones, a free, private place to rest and receive support.

It operates nightly from 9.30pm to 3.30am and is located next to the Hilton Hotel in Orchid Ave.

EMERGENCY TREATMENT CENTRE

The Emergency Treatment Centre provides free, emergency medical treatment for schoolies in need.

It has an onsite ambulance for emergency transportation when needed.

It operates nightly from 7pm to 2am and is located on The Esplanade, next to the Soul roundabout.