South Australia's Schoolies Festival is introducing its largest network of free regional bus services, ensuring safer and more accessible travel for Year 12 graduates heading to Victor Harbor. The initiative aims to improve convenience and safety for students celebrating the end of their schooling.
For the first time, dedicated express buses will run from multiple regional areas, including the Riverland, Mid North, Eyre Peninsula, Limestone Coast, and Yorke Peninsula. These free return services remove the need for long drives, easing travel concerns for both students and their families.
“This marks the biggest expansion of Schoolies Festival bus services the state has ever seen,” said organizers from Encounter Youth.
New departure points across metropolitan Adelaide have been added to accommodate more participants. Locations now include Gawler, Athelstone, Port Adelaide, the Adelaide CBD, and Hallett Cove, expanding well beyond the previous single pickup point at Franklin Street.
The upgraded bus network features 12 departure locations across the state. All services will depart for Victor Harbor on Friday, 21 November, and return on Monday, 24 November, providing a coordinated and reliable transport option for the festival weekend.
The initiative by the State Government and Encounter Youth provides safe, free, and wide-reaching transport for school leavers, marking a milestone in regional access and community safety.