The 5 Best Daycares in Melbourne for Happy Little Learners
Let’s be real: finding the right daycare in Melbourne can feel overwhelming, especially when work, routines, and family needs are all happening at once.
You’re not just choosing a place to drop your child off. You’re looking for somewhere safe, warm, and nurturing, where they can learn, play, make little friends, and feel comfortable even when you’re not there.
No pressure… right? To make things a little easier, I checked out the best daycares in Melbourne to help you find centres that truly support both kids and parents.
How much does daycare cost in Melbourne?
Daycare in Melbourne typically costs between AUD $125 and $165 per day, depending on the suburb and type of care.
After the Australian Government’s Child Care Subsidy (CCS), most families pay only $17–$48 per day out-of-pocket, with higher-income households paying more.
1. Little Assets Early Learning Centre
Website: https://littleassets.com.au/
Address: Ground Floor World Trade Centre 18-38 Siddeley St
Contact: (03) 9620 2887
Hours: Monday–Friday: 6:30am–6:30pm (Melbourne CBD: 7:15am–6:30pm)
Little Assets Early Learning Centre keeps things thoughtful with a curiosity-led program inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. That means kids get to explore, ask questions, and learn in a way that feels natural, not forced.
The daily fee already covers nappies and enrichment activities like sports and dance classes. That’s a pretty big help when you’re already juggling work, drop-offs, and everything in between!
A colleague once told me her toddler loves the music sessions here, which says a lot about how warmly they build those early connections.
I think this family-owned centre is a solid pick for parents who need a routine they can actually count on.
The only catch? They focus on children up to six years old, so you’ll need to look for another provider once elementary school comes around.
Customer Reviews
It’s wonderful seeing our son get excited about going to daycare here
Amazing staff with so much heart and caring mindset. It’s wonderful seeing our son get excited about going to daycare here. The educators really make an effort to engage the kids and develop them in a very individualised way. The management is really committed to providing a safe, fun, and loving environment and we’re very thankful to the whole team at Little Assets ELC, especially the Orange room educators.
Please keep on the great job that you ladies do.
- bahareh vafaei | Google Review
The best daycare I have found so far in Melbourne
The best daycare I have found so far in Melbourne. They have a great curriculum which help kids to get ready for school. The founder and all the yellow room educators are caring towards the kids.
- Sudeshna Bhattacharyya | Google Review
2. Goodstart Early Learning Melbourne
Website:https://www.goodstart.org.au/
Address: Level 1 Shop OM1 211 Latrobe Street
Contact: 03 9663 2881 / Vacancy enquiries 1800 222 543
Hours: 6:30am to 6:30pm, Monday to Friday
There are a bunch of daycare centres in Melbourne, but Goodstart Early Learning is probably one of the more reassuring ones I’ve come across.
Because they’re a not-for-profit, any surplus goes straight back into better classrooms, resources, and educator training.
Their play-based curriculum follows national guidelines, so kids get to build confidence, curiosity, and social skills through everyday activities.
I’d say the centre is especially helpful for families who move around a lot, since Goodstart is part of a huge national network and gives parents a familiar name to rely on.
Just keep in mind that communication can vary depending on the room. Some parents may need to check in with management for clearer daily updates.
Customer Reviews
My daughter is always happy to go to this daycare
Thank you Goodstart Early Learning Melbourne for all you are giving to our little treasure! We are all very happy to have you in our lives. Educators, center director, receptionists, chef and all the staff are really great and very dedicated to all kids. They are always organizing great activities for our kids to enjoy and learn. My daughter is always happy to go to this daycare and this gives us a great feeling that she really spends a good time with all of you. Thank you so much!
- Mariana Baz | Google Review
Incredibly supportive and helpful throughout our time here
I’ve had such a positive experience with Goodstart Melbourne Central. The team has been incredibly supportive and helpful throughout our time here. The managers are fantastic—always approachable, professional, and genuinely care about the wellbeing of the children and families. They offer a wide range of engaging programs that both teach and entertain, catering to different learning styles and interests. It’s clear the educators put a lot of thought and care into everything they do. I highly recommend this centre to any family looking for quality early childhood education in the heart of Melbourne.
- K W (KK) | Google Review
3. Kids Club Child Care Collins St Centre
Website: https://www.kidsclubchildcare.com.au/
Address: Level 6, Olderfleet Building – 477 Collins Street
Contact: 1300 154 372
Hours: Monday to Friday: 7:30am – 6:00pm
For daycare near the CBD, I can’t recommend Kids Club Child Care Collins St Centre enough. This is a smart pick for parents commuting into the city, especially since the location sits along the work route.
The centre feels premium the moment you step inside, with bright learning spaces that help little ones settle, explore, and get ready for primary school.
One of my favourite things about them is their inquiry-based program. Kids are encouraged to stay curious, ask questions, and learn through discovery instead of just following a fixed routine.
They even have qualified in-house chefs preparing fresh meals in a commercial-grade kitchen, so busy parents have one less thing to think about!
Just a disclaimer: some toddlers may need time to adjust to a new classroom here. Their withdrawal policy is quite strict, too, with standard fees still applying during the notice period.
Customer Reviews
A supportive and caring environment
Well done Kid club Collins educators for providing such a good care to my daughter!! Special thanks to Jess, Chi, Kaylie and many other educators that make sure that our kids feel pampered and learn new things in a supportive and caring environment. Keep up the great work guys!
- Sony Sangwan | Google Review
Excellent care
Excellent care! I would like to thank all the staff for helping settle my daughter, who had never settled in any other centre before. A special thanks to Miss Christine for her consistent effort in calming her each day—now she is a happy child who has made many friendships and loves being there.
- Jona Christine | Google Review
4. Aurora Early Education QV, Melbourne
Website: https://auroraearlyeducation.com.au/
Address: Level 8/10 Artemis Ln
Contact: (03) 9087 6780
Hours: Monday to Friday: 7:00am to 6:30pm
Aurora Early Education QV isn’t just a place where little ones are cared for; it’s one where curiosity gets to run free right in the heart of Melbourne!
Inside, you’ll find a warm, play-based environment where children are encouraged to ask questions, explore new ideas, and learn through hands-on activities that support their overall development.
I like that the learning goes beyond regular classroom play, too. They have music, movement, and early STEM experiences, which I think are great for helping kids discover what they’re actually curious about.
Parents can also feel good knowing the leadership team puts a strong focus on educator training, so teaching standards stay consistent across the centre.
On the downside, child-to-educator ratios may shift throughout the day within standard limits. And if you’d like a formal meeting with management, it’s best to book ahead since schedules can fill up quickly.
Customer Reviews
This centre has exceeded our expectations
We are very happy with Aurora QV centre. As first-time parents, choosing the right childcare was very important to us, and this centre has exceeded our expectations. The educators are caring, attentive, and genuinely look after the children so well. My daughter is always happy and comfortable there, which gives us great peace of mind. The educators are friendly and professional, and I feel confident knowing my baby is in such good hands every day. Highly recommended!
- Quynh Bon | Google Review
If I could give more than 5 stars, I absolutely would
If I could give more than 5 stars, I absolutely would! We’ve made it a ritual to come here with my son’s Mabuhay playgroup, and it’s been a game-changer since we moved to Melbourne. The community is so welcoming, making it easy to meet new people and mingle—both for me and especially for my little one. My son loves the sensory activities, outdoor play, and the endless books and toys to explore. They created a space that’s both fun for the kids and easy on the eyes for parents. A must-visit for any young family!
- Jiezl Sunga | Google Review
5. Apple Blossoms Early Learning – South Melbourne
Website: https://www.appleblossoms.com.au/
Address: 219 Dorcas Street, South
Contact: 03 9699 5210
Hours: Monday – Friday: 7:15am – 6:30pm
If you want your little one to grow up loving nature, Apple Blossoms Early Learning – South Melbourne is such a charming place to start!
Unlike centres that keep most activities indoors, this one gives children beautiful outdoor spaces to explore, including vegetable gardens and mud kitchens for hands-on, nature-based learning.
And yes, it’s just as wholesome as it sounds. While kids are digging, playing, and discovering, they’re also building healthy habits and early environmental awareness.
Another sweet bonus is the on-site chef, who prepares fully organic, low-allergen meals. That means your child stays nourished, full, and ready for the rest of their day.
Just a heads up: Apple Blossoms only caters to children from birth to kindergarten age, so you’ll need to plan ahead for primary school.
Customer Reviews
Can’t say enough good things about this place
Can’t say enough good things about this place. I looked at a lot of daycares in the cbd and southbank/south melbourne area before finding this jewel. Such a warm inviting place with a great outdoor area and kind and attentive educators. My son transitioned so well into daycare, above and beyond my expectations.
- bahar harati | Google Review
We are so happy with our decision
We are so happy with our decision to choose Apple Blossoms South Melbourne as our childcare provider. The calm and loving nature of the centre has been the perfect environment for our son to settle in to daycare. The staff in the nursery have been nothing but a delight. They are extremely attentive to his needs and create a beautiful home away from home.
- Hannah Johnson | Google Review