Voted the best place to celebrate Schoolies in South Australia, Victor Harbor is where everyone heads for a 3-day schoolies festival after grade 12. There are so many things to go at Victor Harbor Schoolies so make sure you and your mates are in on the fun by booking in your accommodation in Victor Harbor.

Here are a few things to keep you entertained on your trip to Victor Harbor.

1. Mingle with other schoolies at the daily Free DJ Sessions

Book Schoolies with Sure Thing Schoolies to get access to daily afternoon DJ sessions. The perfect place to start off your Schoolies celebrates, get the catch to mingle with other schoolies, pick up a free sausage sizzle and listen to some chilled beats. The music runs for 3-4 hours before everyone heads out to the Schoolies Festival, just a short walk away.

2. Walk over to Granite Island

An easy and super picturesque 10-minute walk from Victor Harbor is Granite Island. Venture over the causeway bridge and explore the island’s natural beauty. It’s full of coastal walks, interesting Granite formations and plenty of panoramic coastal views – ideal for a picture or two.

3. Meet the local penguins

Granite Island is also home to the Little Penguins and if you’ve never seen these cute creatures up close, head out on a penguin tour at dusk to see the cuties come home from a big day at sea.

4. Explore the beaches on SUP or learn to surf

The beach is a must-do while you’re at this beachside town. Spend the day hanging on the beach with your friends, playing a game of beach cricket or just relaxing after a big night out.

There are stand up paddleboard rental or tours that will take you out exploring the coastline. Alternatively, you could sign up to learn to surf. There are so many beach options in Victor Harbor.

5. Take a walk

Like the beaches, Victor Harbor is surrounded by amazing walking trails. There are the popular coastal walks both along the mainland coast or around Granite Island as well as short walks ideal for a morning wander.

Victor Harbor is a popular tourist destination for Schoolies, local and international visitors. There’s plenty of things to do between celebrating schoolies with your friends. Check out our Victor Harbor Schoolies accommodation and lock in your Schoolies trip today.

The post 5 Things to do at Victor Harbor Schoolies appeared first on Sure Thing.

Everything you need to know about Leavers in Dunsborough

Dunsborough Leavers has become the biggest end of school parties in recent years. Many WA students flock ‘down south’ for a 5-day celebration with friends. Leavers in Dunsborough rivals the parties on the East Coast of Australia on the Gold Coast, and the WA Police run festivities that are recognised as one of the best in Australia.

If you’re graduating in 2025 or 2026, find out all you need to know about Leavers in Dunsborough with our helpful guide. Preparation is everything for parties like this!

1. Book Dunsborough Leavers early

We can not stress enough that you should secure your accommodation early! 12 months in advance some Leavers resorts, hotels and campgrounds are already fully booked. To get the best Leavers accommodation, sort out your group’s plans early, do your research and book it in.

Sure Thing Schoolies has made it so easy to lock in your Leavers accommodation – it’s only $110 per person to secure the accommodation and the rest isn’t due until August of the year of travel.

Our online booking system allows everyone to separately go into the booking and pay their deposits. This means that the organiser (or the parent) doesn’t have to become an accountant or debt collector for big groups. Booking Leavers couldn’t get easier!

2. Accommodation throughout the region

While the main Leavers festival happens in Dunsborough, students spread out across the region staying in Leavers accommodation in Busselton, Yallingup and Margaret River.

When booking your accommodation take a look at the location. Some groups like to enjoy their own place where they can celebrate together and travel into the Leavers Zone, while other groups want to be close to Leavers Zone. Ask your group their preferences and then look online to see what options are available.

Sure Thing Schoolies can also help find the right place for your group’s needs, budget and size.

3. Leavers Accommodation with food

It may not be a big thing when you book your accommodation but as you start to get ready for Leavers, it becomes a breeze or a pain in the butt. Some of our Leaver packages include complimentary breakfast and dinner. This is a MASSIVE help as your group (cough cough – parents) don’t have to worry about planning out 5 days of meals. This prep comes just as you’re finishing off your exams and assessment and can be quite stressful. Your future self will thank your past self for making such wise decisions… #NailedIT!

4. The Leavers Zone in Dunsborough

The Leavers Zone in Dunsborough is organised very generously by the WA police. They know how important this celebration is to you and want all students to be safe at all times.

The festival runs for four nights and one beach day party at Meelup Beach. You can book tickets per day or a full four-day pass. The wristbands for Leavers are purchased once down at Leavers and more information can be found here.

5. Transportation to the Zone

The main event of Leavers happens at the Zone in Dunsborough. Working out the logistics to get to and from the Zone is another important step in the Leavers accommodation decision.

The WA Police organise free bus routes that run from popular surrounding suburbs to bring people into Dunsborough and get them home safely.

While the bus routes are published closer to the date, these routes are fairly established and remain similar each year.

Check the location of your accommodation and see if it is within walking distance to the free bus route. Alternatively, Sure Thing Schoolies also arranges a transport service to shuttle students into and out of the Zone. This is from some of the resorts not on the bus route and comes at a cost. Details are provided closer to the time of travel.

Sure Thing Schoolies specialises in Dunsborough Leavers accommodation. We have over 28+ accommodation providers and can ensure the right accommodation for each leavers group. Check out all our Dunsborough accommodation.

The post Everything you need to know about Leavers in Dunsborough appeared first on Sure Thing.

Best Rated Schoolies Accommodation: Gold Coast, Byron Bay & Terrigal

Finishing high school is a very exciting thought and the after-party at Schoolies week in 2025 or 2026 no doubt is a massive incentive to get the last year of school done. The only daunting part (aside from all the exams and assignments) is finding the best rated schoolies accommodation.

Organising your schoolies trip can be hard, especially if you put your hand up to be the organiser. No stress, we’ve gone you covered and have compiled a helpful guide based on previous school leavers tips. They have rated the best schoolies accommodation. Organise Schoolies like a boss and impress all your friends by booking the best schoolies hotels on the Gold Coast, Byron Bay or Terrigal.

1. Byron Bay Beach Hostel

The vibe at Byron Bay Beach Hostel is next level over Schoolies week. Schoolies runs for three weeks in this destination however with Week 2 being the most popular week to travel. This hostel is the home of Sure Thing Schoolies over this period meaning each night school leavers gather for pre-drinks on the rooftop, enjoy dinner and snacks and then head out to the exclusive schoolies parties. No stress if you’re not 18 at schoolies, the hostel has an awesome vibe for those underage too.

Previous schoolies like this hostel as it has a selection of shared dormitory rooms and private rooms and the communal areas like the rooftop provide an awesome place for everyone to mingle each night.

2. Solaire Apartments Gold Coast

The great thing about celebrating schoolies on the Gold Coast is that there are plenty of apartments to rent. Solaire Apartments Gold Coast is full of great facilities and the actual apartments are big and sleep up to five per apartment!

Past schoolies have loved that the apartments have had big modern living areas, a pool and BBQ area to use. It’s also only 2 blocks to the beach and Cavill Avenue.

3. Durham Court Apartments Gold Coast

Location is everything for Schoolies on the Gold Coast. Durham Court Apartments Gold Coast is ranked one of the best hotels to stay at over Schoolies as it’s half a block from the beach and only one block from all the action on Cavill Avenue, the schoolies area on Surfers Paradise beach and the nightclubs.

Most apartments for Schoolies accommodate more people with a minimum of four people per apartment. Schoolies that are travelling with 2-3 people love Durham Court Apartments as they also offer one-bedroom apartments that sleep up to three people.

4. Byron Bay Motor Lodge

Byron Bay Motor Lodge is loved by schoolies who want to be close to the party and schoolies celebrations in Byron Bay but also want a private, nice place to come back to each night.

The rooms are Byron Bay Motor Lodge are private sleeping up to five per room. They have private bathrooms, the amenities of a motel and some have kitchenettes. There’s also a pool and BBQ area at the motel for daytime chills.

5. Avoca Beach Hotel and Resort

Resort facilities always sit high on Schoolies must-have lists when choosing schoolies accommodation. Massive thumbs up are given to swimming pools, kitchens, BBQ areas and any other game areas. That’s why Avoca Beach Hotel and Resort in Terrigal is rated the best in the area.

The resort offers great terrace or villa apartments all equipped with full kitchens, living areas and air-conditioning. Schoolies love that the resort has a tennis court and amazing swimming pool as well!

Schoolies Week

Sure Thing Schoolies has been organising Schoolies trips for over 10 years and has the best hotel packages available. We offer schoolies trips to over 15 destinations in Australia and overseas.

We love organising the best week of your life and ensure that all Schoolies accommodation is fun, safe and affordable.

View all Schoolies accommodation options here.

The post Best Rated Schoolies Hotels: Gold Coast, Byron Bay and more appeared first on Sure Thing.

Thailand has always been a popular party destination for backpackers and youth travellers. The destination is by no means “boring” as there are plenty of things to do in Thailand and on the beautiful island of Koh Samui.

The party appeal has lead to more Australian students wanting to take their Schoolies experience international for a week-long party in South East Asia’s party destination; Koh Samui.

Known as the home of the epic full moon parties, Koh Samui is the perfect mix of relaxation – daily massages, exotic cocktails and lush accommodation, and party – awesome nightclubs, epic beach clubs and fun pool parties.

We’ve compiled a list of top things to do at Thailand Schoolies to make sure you see the sights in-between the pool parties and nightclubs.

1. Take a speedboat and explore the surrounding bays

Have your very own “The Beach” moment on a speedboat ride through the surrounding bays and beaches. Recognised as some of the most beautiful beaches in the world (perhaps after Australia), you can’t come to Thailand and not explore the beaches.

2. Visit the Koh Samui waterfalls on a day trip

While Koh Samui is known as an island paradise thanks to its beautiful beaches, the interior also offers wonderful beauties like the Na Muang Waterfalls. Swim in the refreshing pools under the two cascading waterfalls on a memorable day trip excursion.

3. Marvel at the Big Buddha

Wat Phra Yai, the golden big Buddha on Koh Samui is one of the main attractions on the island. The buddha structure is not far from Chaweng Beach (the main part of town & where Schoolies stay) and can be visited by a public pick-up truck.

4. Attend the famous ARKbar Beach Resort Pool Party

The main reason to come to Thailand for Schoolies is to party it up! The Sure Thing Schoolies accommodation at ARKbar Beach Resort ensures you’re always near the action. The resort is known for its awesome daily parties starting around the pool at 2pm and carrying on into the early hours of the morning on the beach.

5. Hit up the bars & nightclubs on Chaweng Beach

The main bar and nightclub strip on Koh Samui is at Chaweng Beach. If you can escape the epic party at ARKbar Beach Resort, check out the other bars, restaurants and nightclubs along the beachfront.

Schoolies in Thailand

Thailand Schoolies is a memorable and fantastic experience to have with friends. Sure Thing Schoolies is an official provider of accommodation in Thailand and takes the stress out of your trip. The international packages all come with return flights to Australia, transfers, accommodation, breakfast and the option to upgrade to premium packages that include more meals, room upgrades, excursions and travel insurance. Find out more here.

The post 5 things to do at Thailand Schoolies appeared first on Sure Thing.

Celebrating Leavers in Dunsborough and Busselton is the best way to say goodbye to high school! A few days by the beach with friends to wash away the stressful year of exams and assignments. Knowing the best places to stay and the best leavers accommodation available can be like researching an assignment #stressful.

Sure Thing Schoolies has been organising Leavers for 14 years, we know where the best hotels, resorts, and campsites are for Leavers. This best-rated list is based on previous Leavers feedback and ratings. Don’t take our word for it – take your fellow classmates!

1. Sandy Bay Holiday Park

Sandy Bay Holiday Park is rated number one for Leavers as the vibe around the holiday park is fun and chilled. Many Leavers choose to camp here with affordable Leavers campsites. For those that don’t want to rough it, the resort has glamping, caravans, and cottages available too. It’s a great all-rounder.

2. Bayview Geographe Resort

One of the most popular resorts in Busselton, Bayview Geographe Resort sells out fast every year for Leavers. The villas are ideal for all group sizes. Previous Leavers loved the facilities at Bayview Geographe, there’s a heated pool, tennis and volleyball court and plenty of places to just chill with your mates.

3. Dunsborough Rail Carriages

This Leavers accommodation gets an awesome wrap each year as it’s one of the closest resorts to the Zone and is on the free bus route. Dunsborough Rail Carriages offers groups a stay in cute cottages or an old-school rail carriage.

4. Riverglen Chalets

The Riverglen Chalets are loved by Leavers that are looking for some #qualitytime with friends. Located near Margaret River the chalets provide a great base for Leavers that want to hang out with friends, explore the local area, head to the beach and get up to the Zone in Dunsborough.

5. Yallingup Beach Resort

Yallingup Beach Resort is close to everything important for Leavers – on the free bus route to the Zone, close to Yallingup Beach and offers comfortable accommodation. Win, win, win! All the apartments are super stylish with private bedrooms and bathrooms and a full kitchen. This resort is a great base for Leavers.

6. Stay Margaret River Resort

Located in the middle of Margaret River, Stay Margaret River Resort provides a great base for Leavers who are keen to explore the local area and want to chill with friends. Leavers love it as it’s affordable, nice accommodation in a chilled environment. Transport to the Zone can be arranged.

7. The Sebel Busselton

For many, location is everything over Leavers and The Sebel Busselton ticks all the boxes for not only a fantastic location but a great resort with plenty of facilities. Ideal for all size groups, the resort can cater for plenty of Leavers which then adds to the awesome vibe around the resort. It’s on the free bus route which is also a massive advantage!

8. Dunsborough Central Motel

Dunsborough Central Motel is in the heart of Dunsborough and perfect for those that don’t want to miss a moment of the Leavers action. On the free bus route to the Zone, this place sells out year after year!

9. Seabreeze Chalets

These magical villas nestled amongst natural bushland are popular for those Leavers looking for a relaxed, private setting to escape to after a big night or day out at the Zone. The Seabreeze Chalets is a short drive to Dunsborough and close to Yallingup Beach, two main spots to be over Leavers.

10. Busselton River Resort

Busselton River Resort is another great Leavers resort close to everything in Busselton and on the free bus route to Dunsborough. Leavers enjoy the resort as it has a swimming pool and plenty of space to hang out with friends. Oh, and it’s a 2 minute drive to Maccas 😉

Leavers Western Australia

Sure Thing Schoolies is one of the biggest providers of Leavers accommodation in Busselton and Dunsborough. We have over 25+ epic places to stay, offering options to meet all group sizes and budgets. It’s our job to make sure you have the best week of your life by providing you with great tips on the Zone, advice on safety and awesome accommodation to hang out at.

View all Dunsborough and Busselton accommodation options here.

The post Best Rated Leavers Hotels: Western Australia appeared first on Sure Thing.

More and more students are heading overseas for their Schoolies Week celebrations, soaking up the awesome island life atmosphere, relaxing in pure style and experiencing awesome beach party scenes that rival those back home. Based on previous schoolies we have rated the best Schoolies hotels overseas to give you the down-low on where to stay and which international destination to choose. Are you ready for the best week of your life?

1. Aquana Beach Resort Vanuatu

When it comes to resort locations, Aquana Beach Resort in Vanuatu can’t get much better. Located right on the beach and surrounded by a large lagoon and a palm-fringed beach making it the perfect place to unwind after a big year of exams. It’s location on the water is one of the many reasons why this is rated the best Schoolies hotel overseas and in Vanuatu.

Schoolies love this resort as it has a pool and is so close to the beach and is surrounded by beautiful lush gardens. The restaurant, bar and pool area is where the evening Schoolies parties kick-off before people head to local bars and nightclubs or kick on at the resort.

2. Uprising Resort Fiji

Renowned as one of the best youth travel resorts in Fiji catering to travellers keen to have a good time and relax in paradise. The Uprising Resort in Fiji’s adventure capital, Pacific Harbour, puts on an epic party for Schoolies Week each year.

Choose from a selection of accommodation options – dorms, villas or private bures (fiji’s traditional thatched rooms). Rotate between lounging by the pool and beach (10 meters away) before getting ready for Schoolies games, events and parties each night. Be on #Fijitime before you know it!

3. Mango Bay Beach Resort Fiji

On the picturesque Coral Coast of Fiji, Mango Bay Resort is another top rated Schoolies hotel. The resort is loved by Schoolies as it’s right on the beach and it’s an authentic Fijian resort, with thatched bures and lush gardens. Incredibly, this resort is the home of “Bachelor in Paradise, Australia” where the full series was filmed.

Schoolies love this resort as it’s close to local townships and a variety of activities that can be enjoyed during the day. They also love that the accommodation was on the mainland so they had the freedom to explore at their leisure, they weren’t stuck on one island for one week.

4. Bounty Hotel Bali

Everyone at Bounty Hotel Bali is up for a party! The hotel is located in the biggest party region of Bali, Kuta, and close to nightclubs, bars and restaurants and the beach.

School leavers love this hotel as nothing in Australia competes to the fun had overseas and especially in Bali. The resort has spacious rooms, an on-site restaurant and bar, a pool and daily parties.

5. Ark Beach Bar and Resort Koh Samui, Thailand

Like Bali, Thailand is another hot destination for insane Schoolies Week shenanigans and it all happens at Ark Beach Bar and Resort, the world renowned party destination in Koh Samui. Get lit on a week long Schoolies trip to Thailand.

Enjoy all the luxuries in the spacious rooms, relax by the pool by day and party it up at nightly events and resort parties. It’s a wicked spot for Schoolies Week.

Schoolies Overseas

Sure Thing Schoolies overseas packages all include return flights from Australia, 7 nights’ accommodation, transfers, breakfast and access to exclusive Schoolies parties. You can also upgrade your package to include local activities and excursions that get you out and about experiencing the country and mingling with the locals.

View all Schoolies Week hotel options here.

The post Best Rated Schoolies Hotels: Overseas appeared first on Sure Thing.

Phillip Island is one of the most popular destinations to visit in Victoria. Just outside the hustle and bustle of Melbourne, the island provides an array of activities centred around the outdoors and nature. Students like heading to Phillip Island for their end-of-school celebrations as there’s so much to see and do. Here are our top 5 things to do at Phillip Island over Schoolies Week.

1. Meet the famous penguins

Come face-to-face with the penguin parade as they march up the beach each night. The smallest penguins in the world call Phillip Island their home and this incredible natural encounter is the one number thing to do on Phillip Island. See the little furry creatures head in from a tough day at sea, before you get ready for a big night on the town.

2. Chocolate Factory

Within the Sure Thing Schoolies package you’ll get a choice of three exciting activities included in your wristband. One of them is the famous chocolate factory tour. Take a self-guided tour around this interactive world of chocolate. Let the sugary delight boost you up after a big night of celebrations.

3. Go Kart around the Phillip Island Circuit

Another famous attraction on Phillip Island is the Formula One circuit. While F1 doesn’t coincide with Schoolies Week, you can swap out a V8 or F1 car for a Go Kart and ride around the famous track. Definitely a must for all car enthusiasts!

4. Surf Experience Tour

Another inclusion in your Sure Thing Schoolies package is the surf experience tour that celebrates everything about surfing in Australia. The immersive experience includes audio and visual exhibits from some of Australia’s greatest surfers and the iconic breaks around this country. Definitely worth a visit, especially as it’s free in your Schoolies package!

5. Beach chills

There’s nothing like just chilling at the beach and mucking around with your mates. This is the most popular thing to do at Phillip Island Schoolies. After a late-night of celebrations, nothing quite beats a swim in the ocean and a nap on the beach.

Phillip Island Schoolies

Phillip Island has heaps of things to do over Schoolies Week, you’ll be busy trying to fit it all in, especially with all the free experiences included in your Sure Thing Schoolies package. Find out about what is included in the packages by visiting the accommodation page for Phillip Island.

The post 5 things to do at Phillip Island Schoolies appeared first on Sure Thing.

The post Sandy Bay Holiday Park appeared first on Sure Thing.

Schoolies week is the perfect time to enjoy the sun and surf after finishing a mammoth 14 years of high school. Most school leavers events happen around coastal towns in Australia or overseas on exotic islands. It’s therefore important to maintain good surf safety at schoolies events to ensure both you and your friends have the best week of your life.

Enjoying the surf and sunshine is one of the best parts of Schoolies Week. So here’s our helpful tips:

1. Don’t drink and swim

It’s a no brainer – alcohol, and swimming is not a good mix. The surf in Australia is unpredictable, so having a few drinks under your belt and taking a paddle should be avoided at all times of the day.

Image by Tourism and Events Queensland

2. Swim between the flags

There’s a reason why the flags are there – it’s a safe place to swim, there are usual lifeguards on duty and it’s free of rips. Always swim between the flags and keep an eye on your mates while they are in the surf.

3. Slip, slop, slap

You probably didn’t think you’d be hearing this phrase after school finished, well think again! Don’t ruin your schoolies week by getting a killer sunburn on day one, it won’t look pretty in your evening attire. Make sure you remember sunscreen, protective clothing, and your Sure Thing Schoolies cap!

4. Stay hydrated

Like the sunburn, you don’t want to wind up with heatstroke at Schoolies. A day in the sunshine and surf can be seriously dehydrate you. Remember to drink plenty of water, especially if you’re feeling run down from last night.

Our top beachside Schoolies destinations include Dunsborough, Gold Coast, Fiji, Bali, and Byron Bay. Check out our awesome packages today, and have a great time at Schoolies.

For more helpful tips on how to have the best time at Schoolies Week, check out more blog articles.

The post Sun and surf safety tips for Schoolies appeared first on Sure Thing.

Many students that live in South Australia like to enjoy the Schoolies festival in their home state and they make their way to Victor Harbor, only an hour drive from Adelaide, for the best party scene and relaxed seaside atmosphere.

Sure Thing Schoolies has had 13 years of experience running Schoolies events and we’ve had plenty of feedback from past happy students that let us know what they loved about their Schoolies accommodation. Here’s the complete guide to the best rated Schoolies Hotels in South Australia, rated by previous schoolies for future schoolies.

Grosvenor Hotel Victor Harbor

Located right amongst the action in the middle of Victor Harbor town, the Grosvenor Hotel is considered the top rated place to stay for Schoolies. Some of the Schoolies parties take place here so being close to everything is a massive bonus. It’s one of the bigger hotels in town so larger groups of friends can get multiple rooms side-by-side and stay all together.

Schoolies also liked how close it was to Maccas (150 meters) for that late evening or early morning snack!

Victor Harbor City Inn

The freshly renovated Victor Harbor City Inn is another great place to stay for Schoolies. Facilities like air-conditioning, refrigerators, private ensuites for every room and breakfast area with toasters, cutlery & crockery make it an ideal spot.

The accommodation is within walking distance to the Schoolies parties at Grosvenor Hotel and at Warland Reserve.

Hotel Victor

Another stylish option for Schoolies, Hotel Victor offers twin share rooms, sleeping 2 per room. The hotel can accommodate big groups and put friends close to one another. Enjoy the privacy of a spacious hotel room with private bathroom, fridge, TV and much more. School leavers have liked this hotel as it provides a quiet and private place to chill after a big night.

It’s just a quick stroll and you’re at the Schoolies parties at Grosvenor Hotel for the afternoon, then the parties at Warland Reserve in the evenings.

Goolwa Caravan and Campsite

Campsites are a very popular and affordable option for Schoolies. They have an awesome atmosphere amongst the tents. Goolwa Caravan and Campsite has many options of accommodation, from unpowered campsites where you bring everything to cabins and family villas that house 6 people. This Victor Harbor campsite is located 10 mins walk from the beach and an awesome setting for Schoolies with a big bunch of mates.

You can get your transport to and from Victor Harbor included with your Warland Reserve festival tickets.

Sure Thing Schoolies Victor Harbor

All Victor Harbor Schoolies packages include access to three free DJ Chill-out Sessions, exclusive to Sure Thing Schoolies bookings. The afternoon parties are hosted at the Grosvenor Hotel on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It’s an awesome way to meet people, and kick off the festivities before walking to the the Warland Reserve festival area at 7pm.

If you have any more questions about the Schoolies Festival in South Australia, get in touch! We’d be happy to help and secure your spot at one of these great Schoolies hotels, resorts and caravan parks.

View all Victor Harbor options here.

The post Best Rated Schoolies Hotels in South Australia appeared first on Sure Thing.