Thailand or queensland?

me and about 7 mates(all aged between 18 and 19) were thinking of going away in early to mid December for a little under two weeks. originally we decided on thailand, and it was gonna cost around 1500 for flights and accommodation in patong, phucket. we didnt really have plans of what we were going to do there, but we were defs gonna hit up the full moon party(which we realise was gonna b a bit of an expensive detour). out of no where a mate suggested queensland, which we had done the previous year for schoolies. so if u were 18 or 19 (and ur life was going to be over in 5 years when u started work), where would u go etc.