Schoolies runs from November 16 until December 3. The majority of celebrations will take part in northern NSW, like Byron Bay and southern QLD, including the Gold Coast.

About 70,000 NSW students completed their Higher School Certificate this year.

Ahead of the leaving celebrations, Health NSW  said its biggest concern was the potential spread of chlamydia. Almost half of the 29,000 cases of chlamydia in NSW last year occurred in the 15 to 24 age group.

ALSO MAKING NEWS:

The best protection against the sexually transmitted infection is to use a condom.

Police have also warned they’ll be out in force across the Schoolies’ period targeting drug and alcohol-related crime, as well as anti-social behaviour.

More than $100,000 worth of drugs destined for Schoolies on the Gold Coast were seized and more than 30 arrests were made earlier in the week.

Tweed/Byron Police District duty officer Detective Inspector Matt Kehoe said police weren’t there to ruin the school leavers’ fun, but to make it a safe environment for the celebrations.

“Know your limits and look out for your mates so you can ensure this is a memorable event for the right reasons,” he said.

“Officers will be around and are there for your safety; approach police or authorities if you are in danger or a victim of any type of crime.”

Police have also reminded the public to expect large crowds and to plan ahead when travelling.