Call it rite of passage, coming of age or just a heck of a party, but Schoolies Week on the Gold Coast every November is one of the biggest teen festivals Australia.

It marks the end of 12 years of schooling for Queensland students and they converge on the Gold Coast every November for up to 10 days of partying, sun, surf, sand and freedom.

The 2007 event was a huge success and registrations for the 2008 Gold Coast Schoolies open in September.

But get in early for your 2008 accommodation - book it here now

The Schoolies, as they are known, turn up in their thousands and virtually take over the prime beach areas from Broadbeach to Surfers Paradise and Main Beach. Most have planned their week away for a year and booked their accommodation well in advance (if they don't, they'll miss out).

The Gold Coast has embraced this social phenomenon and helped the teenage visitors celebrate their week in style and safety, with hordes of adult volunteers and police on hand to keep everyone out of harm's way.

With so many young people in one spot all out for memorable week, some of them do step over the line from time to time and you might read occasional stories of trouble, arrests or drunkenness. There were a few dozen arrests at the 2007 Gold Coast Schoolies but out of a crowds of 20,000 to 30,000, that's not too bad.

But a more prevalent problem is the arrival of 'Toolies' - that is older people, mostly men, who try to gatecrash the teen festival. Fortunately, the schoolies themselves, entertainment organisers and police are quick to round them up and send them on their way.

A good place to go to start planning your Schoolies Week fun is http://www.schooliesweek.qld.gov.au/