Will Schoolies Week Still Go Ahead in 2020?

There's a lot of uncertainty.

If you are a Year 12 student, there is absolutely no doubt that your last year of high school has been extremely chaotic.

Not only have you had to prepare for your ATAR exams, but you've also needed to adapt to online learning due to coronavirus. On top of that, with social distancing being a necessity, you've missed out on spending valuable time with your pals.

Basically, 2020 has been pretty damn hard. 

With that in mind, we're pretty sure that you are holding onto hope that Schoolies won't be cancelled. After all, you truly deserve some time to unwind. 

However, with the number of coronavirus cases continuing to increase in Victoria, and other cases still popping up around the country, will Schoolies still go ahead this year?

That's the question everyone wants answered. 

Is Schoolies 2020 still on?

According to the official Schoolies website, Schoolies is still scheduled to take place this year. At this stage, it's "business as usual", and no restrictions have been implemented by the government that will restrict you and your mates from celebrating Schoolies.

Despite the surge in COVID-19 cases in Victoria, you are still able to book accommodation in Lorne, Phillip Island, Rye and Torquay during November and December. 

Additionally, there are accommodation options in the Gold Coast, Airlie Beach, Coolum, Mooloolaba and Noosa in Queensland, Dunsborough in Western Australia and Victor Harbor in South Australia. New South Wales' Byron Bay and Port Stephens can also be booked, along with international destinations like Bali and Fiji. 

So, what is the likelihood of Schoolies being cancelled?

It's hard to tell right now, but there's definitely a chance that it might not go ahead in every state.

The Transcontinental reported that organising entities in South Australia will be meeting in the near future to make a decision about Schoolies in Victor Harbor. 

"It is yet to be determined if the 2020 Schoolies event will be going ahead," a SA Police spokesperson said.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate has also warned that the three-week event could be canned due to coronavirus, telling the Courier Mail that if Queensland health officials deem the event too risky, it will be called off. 

Mr Tate suggested an online chat party as an alternative. 

No decision has been made about Schoolies in Victoria yet, but the state is currently in Stage 4 lockdown. 

There's been no word as to whether Schoolies will definitely go ahead in Western Australia or New South Wales locations, and with restrictions on international travel still in place, it's too soon to tell whether leavers will be able to travel overseas to Bali or Fiji. 

In fact, you may not even be able to travel interstate for Schoolies, unless you want to undertake a mandatory 14-day quarantine period. While this measure could be lifted by November/December, there's a chance that it'll still be a requirement. You'll need to keep a close eye on the travel restrictions in the state or territory you're planning to visit (and return to). 

I've already booked accommodation. Will I be able to get a refund if it's cancelled?

If you've already forked out money to secure your accommodation, don't fret.

In the event that government restrictions are introduced and you can't check into your accommodation prior to 28 February 2021, you'll receive a full refund of monies paid over and above the non-refundable deposit (excluding existing amendment fees and credit card charges if applicable).

You'll also receive a Credit Voucher for the non-refundable deposit plus a VIP pack including Schoolies singlet and a cap valued at over $200.

The Schoolies website will advise you ASAP if government restrictions mean that the dates have changed or you'll be unable to check into your accommodation, and they'll send you a link to the information you need to claim your refund or credit voucher.

If you can't attend Schoolies on the new dates, you will still receive a refund of all monies paid over and above the non-refundable deposit, along with a Credit Voucher and a VIP pack. 

What happens if ATAR exams are pushed back? 

While ATAR exams are still happening, there's always the possibility that they could be delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

If they are postponed, your booking will automatically convert to the new Schoolies dates. According to the Schoolies website, they'll let you know what the new dates are as soon as they become available. They should be no later than 28 February 2021. 

Of course, this information could change based on health advice, so we'll be sure to keep you updated. 

Update 28/08: Queensland's Schoolies week has officially been cancelled. The event has been deemed too "high-risk" to take place.

Header Image: UMC