NewsBite

Schoolies 2019: Lorne, Surf Coast among the most popular destinations

VCE exams are finished and thousands of Victorian students are this weekend hitting the coast, armed with tents for their goon bags and plenty of teen spirit to burn. Here’s where to expect Schoolies to swarm.

Schoolies on Surfers Paradise party on. Picture: AAP Image/Richard Gosling.
Schoolies on Surfers Paradise party on. Picture: AAP Image/Richard Gosling.

They’ve got tents just for their goon bags and avocados, and teen spirit to burn.

With VCE exams behind them, thousands of Victorian students are this weekend hitting the coast and letting their hair down at ‘Schoolies’ on the Surf Coast, Mornington Peninsula and Phillip Island.

As always, Lorne is one of the most popular destinations.

“It’s just a great place for young people to come,” Merri Young of the Foreshore Caravan Park said.

“They come to enjoy the beach and it’s very well-controlled through the Schoolies website, the police and Red Frogs.

“We have more than 250 people staying in the park and we hand out wristbands as they check-in.”

Schoolies congregating in Surfers Paradise. Picture: Jerad Williams
Schoolies congregating in Surfers Paradise. Picture: Jerad Williams

Youth support agency Red Frogs will once again be in force down the coast with hundreds of volunteers patrolling the streets and beach, while providing a range of services to help keep teens safe and happy.

“We are providing ‘walk home’ options for kids,” a Red Frogs spokesperson said.

“We also give the young guys some emotional support along with pancake cook-ups in their rooms and we are setting up a marquee as a bit of a chill-out zone.”

MORE NEWS:

THE RIPPLE EFFECT: HOW ONE PILL CAN RUIN LIVES

DESPERATE SEARCH FOR MISSING TOURIST

TOP REASONS COPS ARE NABBING VICTORIAN CYCLISTS

Lorne Hotel will host special events throughout the week, with themed parties each night.

A non-alcoholic pool party will also be on offer at the Lorne Sea Baths.

“It’s a chilled space with background music and inflatables in the pool,” a spokesman said.

“We want to create a relaxed environment.”

Police will be out in full force throughout the week, keeping the peace.

“Like every year, our focus will be on ensuring a safe environment for everyone, including school leavers, local residents and the broader community,” Priority Communities Division Acting Commander Murray Fraser said.

“We will not tolerate any behaviour that negatively impacts the community.”

nicholas.durbano@news.com.au

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/schoolies-2019-lorne-surf-coast-among-the-most-popular-destinations/news-story/c52d7cf6053fe7b627f5351b36f159e4