Gold Coast schoolies will pay $75 for the first ticketed hub event
For the first time, year 12 students will pay $75 to attend a ticketed music festival at the Schoolies Hub.
The Schoolies Hub, a dedicated alcohol- and drug-free precinct on Surfers Paradise beach, has allowed free entry since 2003. Schoolies.com, a private operator approved by Queensland this year, will host a ticketed music festival inside the hub.
Year 12 graduates without a ticket will still access free activities, including a Ferris wheel funded by the state. Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said he was not aware of the decision and did not support it, saying the fee risked damaging goodwill and future tourism.
School-leavers can pay up to $1,000 for seven nights of accommodation. Schoolies attendance has declined, dropping from almost 20,000 in 2022 to about 12,000 in 2025, as graduates choose overseas destinations like Bali and Fiji.
Schoolies week runs November 21 to 27.
- $75
- Ticket price
- 2003
- Hub established
- About 12,000
- Attendance 2025
- Almost 20,000
- Attendance 2022
Why it mattersSignals a shift in how major events are funded and questions whether charging for traditionally free spaces affects attendance and community support.
AustraliaChanges the Gold Coast schoolies experience for Australian year 12 graduates; may influence attendance patterns and local tourism.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
