Schoolies embrace laidback vibes

MORE than 5,000 school leavers descended on Byron Bay over the past week to celebrate the end of their secondary education.

The area has become increasingly popular as a schoolies destination in recent years, with teens seeking a more laidback experience than the original party hotspot of the Gold Coast.

Andy Gourley, who is founder and national coordinator of the volunteer-run Red Frogs organisation, which provides safety and support to schoolies, said around 70 per cent of schoolies who come to Byron

are from Victoria and around 30 per cent from NSW.

“There’s a lot of kids whose parent have holiday homes up here and they have been coming up for years anyway, so they are used to it,” he said.

“Certain schools from Melbourne and Sydney come here.

“I think they like the laidback nature of Byron.

“They’re not looking for the Gold Coast or Bali, they’re looking for a different experience – something less party central and more chilled. They’re still looking for activity but it’s a lot more of a chilled vibe.”

Byron Shire Council financially supported the Red Frogs, who had around 90 volunteers in the area for the week offering everything from red frog lollies and recovery pancake breakfasts to a safe walk home service.

They set up a hub in Apex Park overlooking Main Beach, which is a popular gathering point for schoolies.

Gourley said there had also been a shift in culture, with less young people drinking alcohol than in the past.

“Probably half aren’t big drinkers, so that helps us a lot,” he said.

“They don’t want to spend $130 on a night out and wake up with a sore head. There’s also a health revolution. The cafes used to be empty back in the day but now they’re full of schoolies. They’re swapping beers for Boost Juices these days.”