South Australia’s Schoolies celebrations are stepping up a notch this year, with thousands of Year 12s set to benefit from the biggest expansion of Schoolies Festival bus services the state has ever seen. In a major boost for regional students, the State Government and Encounter Youth have rolled out a full suite of free express services from right across SA, making it easier — and far safer — for school leavers to get to Victor Harbor for their end-of-year celebrations.
For the first time, students from the Riverland, Mid North, Eyre Peninsula, Limestone Coast and Yorke Peninsula will be able to jump on dedicated free return buses straight to the festival, taking the stress out of long drives and giving families peace of mind. Metropolitan options have also grown, with new departure points now available at Gawler, Athelstone, Port Adelaide, the Adelaide CBD and Hallett Cove. It marks a huge shift from previous years, when the service ran solely from Franklin Street.
With 12 departure locations on offer, all buses will head to Victor Harbor on Friday 21 November before returning on Monday 24 November. Once Schoolies arrive, continuous shuttle services will carry them between their accommodation and key festival spots including Victor Harbor, Encounter Bay, Middleton, Port Elliot and Goolwa across the entire weekend.
Education, Training and Skills Minister Blair Boyer says the expanded network is a major win for young people ready to celebrate the end of their school years. “The annual Schoolies Festival is a great time for students to let their hair down and celebrate all their achievements throughout their school years,” he says, adding that while the sense of freedom is incredible, it’s vital that school-leavers “remember to look after themselves and their mates.”
“With the Schoolies Festival bus service now available at more locations statewide, I hope even more students take up this free travel option – making it safer for everyone, and one less thing they need to worry about,” he says. “We want everyone to have fun and let their hair down – but make sure you are making safe choices for you and your friends.”
SA Police is also urging caution, particularly when it comes to drinking and driving. Superintendent Joanna Howard says excessive drinking remains a key issue each year. “Although the Encounter Youth Schoolies Festival is an alcohol-free zone, we remind those of legal drinking age to do so responsibly,” she says. Police will visit local caravan parks daily offering voluntary breath testing, while also reminding young drivers of P-plate conditions — including zero alcohol limits and night-time passenger rules.
“Look out for one another. If you’ve been drinking, don’t get behind the wheel, as there are plenty of transport options available both within and between local towns,” Superintendent Howard says. “Remember, using or possessing illicit drugs is against the law, and anyone caught with them will face serious consequences. Our goal is to help everyone enjoy the event safely. Please reach out to us if you need assistance or simply come and say hello.”
Encounter Youth CEO Nigel Knowles says the expanded services reflect a shared commitment to keeping young people safe. “Encounter Youth is proud to partner with the State Government to deliver expanded bus services, ensuring school leavers can travel to and from the Schoolies Festival safely and easily,” he says. He encourages families to chat with their teens about safe travel plans and to take full advantage of the free service as “the safest and most reliable way to travel to, from, and around the Fleurieu Peninsula during the Schoolies Festival weekend.”
Students can book their free seat via the Encounter Youth website.
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