Mention Schoolies week and a “beach by day, party by night” mantra is at the forefront of our minds. Enter Fiji: an Instagram-ready paradise that ticks all the boxes is an ocean away from your school gates and has the added bonus of giving you the chance to soak up a little culture.
Why Fiji…
Only a few hours flight from Australia, Fiji affords you the luxury of being overseas without having to waste a single second on jetlag. It’s also become a hugely popular destination for school leavers, meaning there’s plenty of opportunity to party alongside like-minded teens. And you can tell your folks it’s without the crime and ‘toolies’ that have become synonymous with some other hotspots.
Differing tastes mean travelling with a group can be tricky. Thankfully, the Pacific Islands are ‘choose your own adventure’ at its finest – thrill seekers are satisfied; those in need of culture get their prescribed dose; and R&R travellers can ensure swimming up to the pool bar is the most extreme activity they endure. Come sunset, the islands turn into party zones, but if you’re truly exhausted there’s no problem having a quiet night in.
Convinced? Now all you have to do is choose an island to call home for the week…
Plantation Island
Seven kilometres of glowing white sand, picture-perfect coconut palms that light up in neon at night, three pools and some of the best parties. It’s little surprise Plantation Island has become the biggest Schoolies destination outside of Australia.
Best for: Those who are up for a lot of big nights – this is party Mecca!
Top tip: Visit the Fijian shell village for a dose of culture or try parasailing and waterskiing for a thrill.
Mana Island
Mana is quickly catching up to Plantation in the Schoolies-popularity stakes. This one boasts sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and nightly celebrations with people who are in tune with the elation you’re feeling.
Best for: A happy medium between partying and relaxing.
Top tip: Rid yourself of any lingering exam stress with a treatment at the famous spa after a day of wakeboarding.
Sonaisali Island
Looking for luxury? Sonaisali is the ticket. Just a 30-minute drive from Nadi, Sonaisali offers stylish accommodation and one of the most incredible, enormous swimming pools you’ll ever come across. There are plenty of luxe activities too – jump aboard an island-hopping cruise or snorkel across the Kingfisher Reef.
Best for: The stylish traveller.
Top tip: Don’t miss a paintballing session with your friends – guaranteed to provide some unforgettable (not to mention hilarious) memories.
Beachcomber Island
This teeny-tiny island can be circled on foot in less than fifteen minutes! A bonus is you’ll be more likely to make a whole lot of friends and the party scene is killer. The drawback being it’s without some facilities the other islands have.
Best for: Typical Schoolies experience – beach by day, party by night – with a unique vibe.
Top tip: Beachcomber books out fast, so secure your spot ASAP!
You’d be hard-pressed going wrong when choosing an island to visit in Fiji, but each spot does offer a little something different, so it’s worth talking to one of the local travel experts. Try the team at Student Flights – they know their islands, understand what Schoolies want and offer all the school-leaver discounts available.
Student Flights Consultants: Many of them have had firsthand experience with a Schoolies week of their own, and can provide top dos’ and don’ts to make sure you have an amazing week!
