5 Best Kindergartens in Melbourne Parents Keep Choosing
Finding a kindergarten in Melbourne that families genuinely trust means weighing factors like educational quality, safety, convenience, and overall fit for your child.
To make the search easier, I’ve narrowed down some standout centres that offer strong learning foundations and supportive environments.
Whether you prefer a play-based approach or a greater focus on school readiness, these kindergartens have plenty to offer. Let’s explore the top options helping children get off to a great start.
How much does kindergarten cost in Melbourne?
Kindergarten in Melbourne can be free through the Victorian Free Kinder program, which covers up to 15 hours per week.
Some sessional kindergartens charge additional fees of $940 to $2,820 per term. Kindergarten programs in long-day care centres typically cost $140 to $220 per day, with inner-city locations often charging $180 to $210.
| Care Type | Average Cost (AUD) |
| Long Day Care Daily Rate | $140 – $220 |
| CBD/Inner Suburb Daily Rate | $180 – $210 |
| Sessional Kindergarten | Free Kinder (15 hrs/week) |
| Extra Sessional Fees | $940 – $2,820 per term |
1. Goodstart Early Learning Melbourne
Website: https://www.goodstart.org.au/centres/melbourne
Address: Level 1 Shop OM1 211 La Trobe St
Contact: 396 632 881
Hours: Monday – Friday: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Anyone working in Melbourne’s CBD who needs a dependable early learning option will find Goodstart Early Learning Melbourne a practical choice.
The centre blends structured learning with play-based activities to help your children build early school readiness in a steady, supportive way.
Here, kids are guided through group routines that encourage independence and social confidence, especially in preparation for the transition into primary school.
I’ve dropped my niece here a few times, and the educators always appear genuinely attentive to each child’s individual routine.
Plus, daily meals are prepared on-site, which helps simplify busy weekday mornings for parents balancing work and childcare.
And if you want to continue supporting learning beyond early childhood, many also explore tutors in Melbourne to help reinforce academic skills later on.
Just take note that its location on a busy street means traffic is fairly common throughout the day.
Highly recommend
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
Caring and engaging with the children
The educators at Goodstart Melbourne are caring and engaging with the children and have great relationships with the families. The centre is well presented and very clean, the areas for the children have great toys and amazing large outdoor yard
- Anonymous | Google Review
2. Sentia Early Learning
Website: http://www.sentia.vic.edu.au/
Address: 450 Flinders St
Contact: 396 299 860
Hours: Monday – Friday: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Parents looking for a play-based early learning environment will appreciate Sentia Early Learning and their child-led approach to development.
The centre follows your child’s interests to support milestone progress in a way that feels natural and low-pressure. They have weekly activities like music, science, and yoga, which keep the programme varied and engaging throughout the week.
I once spoke with a parent who liked that the educators here regularly take children on local excursions to build confidence beyond the classroom.
Plus, fresh, catered meals are also provided daily, covering everything from breakfast through to afternoon tea.
However, the centre opens a bit later than usual, which may not suit those who need an earlier start to the morning.
Highly recommend
My son and daughter attended kindergarten for 3 and 4 year olds. The teachers are very kind, gentle and enthusiastic about interacting with the children. There were many excursion they taught us a lot of things, from traffic rules to Australian culture. My daughter liked the music class and my son liked the science class. They prepared a variety of activities depending on the day of the week so the children never got bored. I highly recommend Sentia.
- Tomomi Ogawa | Google Review
Teacher is very positive, sociable, and kind
My son attended and graduated from the 3-4 year old kindergarten. It is well managed and each teacher is very positive, sociable, and kind. Both my son and I were treated very well. I have sent my son to other childcare centers before this, but I personally highly recommend Sentia.
My son attended and graduated from the 3-4 year old kindergarten. It is well managed and each teacher is very positive, sociable, and kind. My son used to go to another childcare center before this, and I personally highly recommend Sentia.
- 峻高山 | Google Review
3. Little Assets Early Learning Centre
Website: https://littleassets.com.au/centre-melbourne-cbd/
Address: Ground Floor, World Trade Centre, 18–38 Siddeley St
Contact: 396 202 887
Hours: Monday – Friday: 7:15 AM – 6:30 PM
If you’re after a centre that blends structured learning with hands-on creativity, Little Assets Early Learning Centre offers a calm but engaging early education environment.
The programme combines indoor learning with outdoor play to help your kids build independence and confidence through everyday exploration.
I love that the educators often sit alongside children during activities, using simple moments like block-building to introduce early ideas around balance and problem-solving.
I remember watching a group of kids completely absorbed in building together, while the educators gently guided them without taking over the activity.
There’s also a strong focus on imaginative play and creative arts, helping children express themselves while naturally developing fine motor skills.
If you want your kids to try it out first, orientation visits are available. You can also look into art classes in Melbourne to keep the momentum going.
On the downside, families should note that a full week of fees is required upfront as a deposit. And that could be forfeited if enrolment is cancelled.
Very warm people in here
Thank you very much for all Little Assets team and a manager looking after my son since he was 0 year old till graduated kindergarten.
My son and us have always been supported by these wonderful team and words cannot express enough how thankful we are.
They are very professional but also most importantly very warm people in here.
Felt always safe them looking after our son entire time.
Highly recommended.
Thank you so much again
- Mai Yamauchi | Google Review
Very experienced and professional educators
Such a warm welcoming centre. All the educators are very passionate and dedicated towards children’s care and needs.I had my two children in this centre . Educators over here always made my children feel very safe and special. Centre caters a healthy atmosphere and welcoming. Its curriculum is fantastic and helps nurture and shape young minds. Specifically the kinder and pre kinder rooms are amazing with very experienced and professional educators. They made my children very confident little ones . Thank you to Anjali and Team❤️
- kavala rajeswari | Google Review
4. Kids & Co Early Learning Centre
Website: http://kidsandcochildcare.com.au/
Address: 8 Village St, Docklands
Contact: 396 142 900
Hours: Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
If you want a centre that gives kids room to think, explore, and settle into their own rhythm, Kids & Co Early Learning Centre does exactly that.
The environment is built around relaxed, play-based learning that stretches imagination without piling on pressure. Little ones are given long, uninterrupted blocks of time so they can fully commit to their play instead of constantly switching between activities.
I actually love how they lean into creative expression through art and music every single day. The educators are especially strong when it comes to guiding your kids through big emotions like frustration or excitement, which really supports emotional development.
Facility-wise, the spaces are designed to be open and accessible, with quiet corners for downtime and plenty of room for active movement.
The only catch is that the centre closes at 6:00 PM sharp, so you really need to be on time when picking them up.
Good experience
I was very happy with the care my kid received from this daycare.
We chose to put my kid in this daycare as Emma made us feel comfortable when we first visited.
Management is also very helpful.
My daughter struggled at first, but she now enjoys attending to daycare thanks to the staff’s support.
And her kindergarten experience gave me confidence to start her Prep Studies.
Thanks, Kids & Co Childcare.
- Madhu Priya Addala | Google Review
Highly recommend
Absolutely love this kindergarten! The staff here are incredibly caring and attentive to the children. My kid has learned so much and made great friends. The facilities are top-notch, providing a safe and nurturing environment for the little ones. Highly recommend this place!
- ABDULMAJEED SAAD | Google Review
5. Aurora Early Education QV, Melbourne
Website: https://auroraearlyeducation.com.au/locations/melbourne/
Address: Level 8, 10 Artemis Ln
Contact: 390 876 780
Hours: Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Aurora Early Education QV feels like a more specialised take on early learning, with a programme that brings in industry professionals for daily focused sessions.
The learning is designed around interactive materials that encourage group exploration and constant questioning, so kids aren’t just watching; they’re actively involved.
Kids rotate through hands-on activities, like fine art and sports, helping them discover new interests in a really natural way.
I’ve always been impressed by how openly the team communicates with families, especially with regular updates on how each child’s day is going.
The centre also maintains exceptionally high hygiene standards, which gives the whole space a very controlled and well-managed feel.
However, it’s located on Level 8 of the QV complex, so drop-offs involve laneway access and elevator trips, which can add a few extra minutes to an already busy morning routine.
Good experience
Aurora QV in Melbourne is a beautiful and spacious place where children can play both indoors and outdoors. It is clean, inviting, relaxed, safe, and comfortable.
Nikki is very kind, calm, and excellent at interacting with the children. My son is always excited to see Teacher Nikki.
To the owner, thank you very much for allowing us parents and kids to use the space and for providing us with free access to the facility for our playgroup. 💞💞💞
- Dawn Wills | Google Review
Friendly educators
Great place, friendly educators, nice curriculum too. My daughter was here for a short couple of months, but the team cared for her nicely and they were all professional with the reporting too. Would definitely recommend to family and friends!
- Jane Novella | Google Review