Schoolies Week now also happening at the Watsons Bay Hotel, for local parents uncomfortable about their kids leaving the eastern suburbs

STAYCATION: The iconic Watsons Bay Hotel has announced an exclusive Schoolies Week alternative, catering to local parents who feel Surfers Paradise or Byron Bay is too far away and too unsafe.

“‘Schoolies at Watsons Bay promises all the excitement of the traditional week away, without the risks of budget accommodation, low quality food or rowdy bogan behaviour,” says event organiser Olivia Cartright.

“And if something does go wrong, it’s only a quick Uber ride home.”

The week-long event, beginning on November 22, will be closed to non-school leavers, as well as anyone who lives outside of the eastern suburbs.

“Every night we’ll be hosting a silent disco for sensitive ears and parents can rest easy knowing we’ll be enforcing a strict 9.30pm curfew,” says Olivia Cartright.

Megan Riley-Jones, who finished year 12 at Kambala this year says she can’t wait for Schoolies at Watsons Bay, which is taking place only 750 metres from home.

“Mum says I will still need to call her every two hours,” she told DBT. “But I’m so excited! It’ll be my first real taste of freedom.”