The Top 3 Childcare Centres in Bundoora, VIC (3083)

Goodstart Early Learning Bundoora — Bendoran Crescent

Goodstart Early Learning Bundoora — Bendoran Crescent at 17-19 Bendoran Crescent is the highest-rated long day care centre in Bundoora 3083 by every available measure — a 5.0/5 on both KindiCare and CareForKids, two consecutive Exceeding NQS ratings (February 2017 and May 2023), and an August 2024 regulatory visit with zero conditions. It is one of only two long day care centres in Bundoora currently holding an Exceeding NQS rating.

What makes Bendoran Crescent genuinely distinctive is its intentional smallness. With just 60 licensed places, it is one of the smaller long day care centres in the suburb — and that is by design. The centre is tucked away in a quiet, leafy pocket of Bundoora offering a cosy, home-like atmosphere where every child is known and nurtured. In a suburb with centres serving 100 to 120 children, this boutique scale means every child receives individual attention that larger services structurally cannot match.

The centre is led by Centre Director Caitlin Griffin, who began her early childhood career with Goodstart in 2012 and has worked across multiple roles including Senior Educator, Educational Leader and Assistant Director before becoming Centre Director. Caitlin holds a Diploma in Early Childhood and is working towards her Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. Her philosophy is built on Key Educator Relationships.

The outdoor program is a genuine highlight. The centre's location near Gresswell Reserve means children experience regular excursions into nature — bush kinder-style experiences that are rare for an urban long day care service. Garden visits, outdoor exploration and nature play are woven throughout the daily program. Indoor spaces feature see-through glass windows and partitions that promote transparency and supervision while creating an open, welcoming environment.

Programs are guided by the EYLF and VEYLDF frameworks, with University-qualified teachers delivering the government-funded kindergarten program for eligible 3 and 4-year-olds. The Key Educator model ensures every child has a dedicated educator who builds a consistent, trusting relationship with them and their family. Families stay connected through Storypark. All meals and nappies are included in the daily fee of $167.04.

Goodstart Bundoora — Bendoran Crescent is the clear first choice in postcode 3083. Two consecutive Exceeding NQS ratings spanning nearly a decade, a 5.0/5 on both KindiCare and CareForKids, a boutique 60-place scale that ensures every child is genuinely known, a Centre Director who has been with Goodstart since 2012, and regular excursions to nearby Gresswell Reserve — this is a centre that consistently delivers at the highest level. At $167.04 per day it sits above the suburb average of $150, but the Exceeding NQS and the parent satisfaction data justify the premium.

Goodstart Early Learning Bundoora — Plenty Road

Goodstart Early Learning Bundoora — Plenty Road at 3-5 Plenty Road holds a Meeting NQS rating issued December 2022 and was visited by the regulatory authority in June 2025 with zero conditions — the most recent compliance clearance of any centre on this list. It holds a 5.0/5 on CareForKids and is Kinder Tick accredited, with Bachelor-qualified teachers delivering the government-funded kindergarten program.

The centre is a welcoming, home-like environment serving families across Bundoora and surrounding areas. Programs are guided by the VEYLDF and EYLF, with a particular emphasis on outdoor learning through a dedicated bush kinder program. Spacious outdoor areas give children room for nature play, and the centre's multicultural team embraces the diverse backgrounds of the local community.

The educational program delivers tailored learning in early literacy, numeracy, social and emotional development and community learning. The Key Educator model ensures every child has a consistent, trusted educator relationship. Government-funded 3 and 4-year-old kinder programs are led by Bachelor-qualified teachers and carry the Kinder Tick accreditation. Families stay connected through Storypark, with daily updates, cultural activities and learning documentation shared regularly.

The centre provides all meals, nappies, hats and t-shirts as part of the daily experience. The daily fee of $164.43 is confirmed by Starting Blocks as including afternoon tea, breakfast, lunch, morning tea and nappies.

Goodstart Bundoora — Plenty Road is the second-choice recommendation for postcode 3083. A Meeting NQS issued December 2022, the most recent regulatory clearance of any centre on this list (June 2025, zero conditions), a 5.0/5 CareForKids rating, Kinder Tick accreditation, a bush kinder program and the backing of Australia's largest not-for-profit early learning provider make it a compelling choice. Its previous Exceeding NQS (December 2017) reflects a history of quality the current team is building on.

Milestones Early Learning Bundoora

Milestones Early Learning Bundoora at 18-22 Main Drive is the most recently assessed long day care centre in Bundoora, with a Meeting NQS rating issued September 2024 following a regulatory visit in the same month. With 120 licensed places, it is the largest centre on this list and serves families from birth through to 5 years.

The centre is led by Nola McKinnon, Centre Manager, who brings over a decade of early childhood education experience and 3.5 years in the Centre Manager role. Nola's philosophy centres on creating a love of learning and a sense of wonder in every child, supporting their individual development and helping them build resilience for the future. Her door is always open to families.

The educational program is delivered through the Lifelong Learning Curriculum — Affinity Education Group's proprietary approach structured across three developmental stages: Healthy Beginnings (infants), Early Experiences (toddlers), and School Readiness (pre-kinders). Each stage builds progressively, with intentional teaching woven through play-based experiences designed to grow children's confidence in literacy, STEM, social skills and wellbeing.

The purpose-built centre features spacious indoor learning zones and a large, engaging playground. The centre website states that fresh, healthy meals are prepared on-site daily — Starting Blocks confirms education programs as a fee inclusion; confirm the full inclusions package directly with the centre. The government-approved kindergarten program is available for eligible 3 and 4-year-olds within long day care hours.

At $159.20 per day, Milestones sits above the suburb average of $150 but below both Goodstart locations on this list, offering the largest capacity and the most recently confirmed NQS rating at a mid-range fee.

Milestones Early Learning Bundoora is the third-choice recommendation for postcode 3083. The most recently assessed centre in the suburb (September 2024 Meeting NQS), the largest capacity at 120 places, a 4.7/5 KindiCare rating from 63 reviews — the highest review count of any centre on this list — and a Centre Manager with over a decade of experience make it a well-rounded option. At $159.20 per day it sits below both Goodstart locations while offering the most places and the most recent NQS assessment.