The Top 3 Childcare Centres in Epping, VIC (3076)

Wallaby Childcare Epping

Wallaby Childcare Epping at 2 Shimmer Street is the only long day care centre in Epping 3076 holding an Exceeding NQS rating — confirmed at three consecutive assessments spanning 13 years, most recently in December 2025. The November 2025 regulatory visit found zero conditions and zero enforcement actions — the most recently cleared centre of any on this list.

Operating since December 2012, Wallaby Epping is a purpose-built, single-storey facility with nine rooms across clearly defined nursery, toddler, pre-kinder and kindergarten spaces. The centre's signature Big Red Barn is a landmark feature in the Shimmer Street streetscape — a gathering space that has become synonymous with the centre in the Epping community. Separate outdoor play areas serve each age group, with a veggie patch, open green spaces and natural play equipment giving children daily access to the outdoors.

The educational program is grounded in the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF), with a strong Reggio Emilia influence emphasising child-directed, indoor-outdoor play. Specialised teachers deliver the 4-year-old kindergarten program. Individual climate control in every room ensures year-round comfort for children and educators alike.

The daily fee of $151.30 is the most comprehensive inclusions package of any centre on this list — confirmed by Starting Blocks as covering afternoon tea, breakfast, education programs, excursions and incursions, lunch, morning tea, nappies, other meals and transport. Families stay connected through the Storypark parent app.

Wallaby Childcare Epping is the clear first choice in postcode 3076. The only Exceeding NQS long day care centre in the suburb, confirmed at three consecutive assessments over 13 years with the most recent issued December 2025. The most comprehensive Starting Blocks-confirmed inclusions package of any centre on this list — including transport — at $151.30 per day. Director Simran is named repeatedly by parents as the reason they stay.

Goodstart Early Learning Epping — High Street

Goodstart Early Learning Epping — High Street at 792-796 High Street is part of Australia's largest not-for-profit early learning provider, with 110 licensed places in a central Epping location within walking distance of Epping train station and bus stops. For commuting families, the combination of central location, on-site parking and proximity to public transport makes it one of the most practically convenient centres in the suburb.

The centre is led by Stella D'Aspromonte, Centre Director since 2021. Stella holds an Advanced Diploma in Community Management Sector and Diplomas in both Early Education and Care and Outside Hours Care, bringing over 10 years of early childhood industry experience to the role. Her philosophy is built on the belief that every child is unique.

The outdoor environment is a genuine strength. Sandpits, digging pits, veggie gardens, a worm farm, a compost area, a fort, a bike track and ample shade create a rich, nature-connected outdoor experience for children across all age groups. Indoor learning spaces are bright and lively, with a colourful play-based curriculum delivered by experienced educators.

Programs are built around the Early Years Learning Framework with a Reggio Emilia approach, emphasising nature-based play, cooking, dance, music and incursion activities. The Victorian Government-funded kindergarten program for eligible 3 and 4-year-olds is integrated within long day care hours. As a not-for-profit, Goodstart reinvests any surplus directly into programs and environments. Families stay connected through the Storypark parent app.

Goodstart Epping — High Street is the second-choice recommendation for postcode 3076. A confirmed Meeting NQS, 110 licensed places, a Centre Director with 10+ years of experience, a 4.3/5 KindiCare rating from 58 reviews, a central location near Epping train station, a Reggio Emilia approach and the backing of Australia's largest not-for-profit provider make it a well-rounded, accessible choice at $152.50 per day.

Great Beginnings Epping

Great Beginnings Epping at 6 Viewbank Court is operated by G8 Education Limited and holds a Meeting NQS rating issued January 2023, with a 5.0/5 on CareForKids. The centre caters for 97 children from 6 weeks to 6 years across purpose-built rooms inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach.

The physical environment features shaded outdoor play spaces with sandpits, cubby houses, garden beds and trees, alongside spacious, light-filled indoor environments with natural resources that encourage open-ended learning. Nursery children benefit from a separate sleep room, and a movable interactive whiteboard supports a range of learning needs across the kindergarten room.

The centre is led by Priya, Centre Manager, who joined in 2024 and brings over 20 years of early childhood industry experience — including teaching in Fiji and working as an early childhood professional across Australia. Priya holds a Diploma of Children's Services and is working towards a Bachelor of Education. Her philosophy is child-led.

An on-site chef prepares fresh meals daily. Nappies and wipes are provided. The Victorian Government-approved kindergarten program is delivered by Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teachers for eligible 3 and 4-year-olds, integrated within long day care hours, at no cost up to 15 hours per week. Flexible session options — 9, 10, 11 and 12-hour sessions — suit families with varying schedules. Families stay connected through the Xplor parent communication app.

At $186.65 per day across all age groups, Great Beginnings is the highest-fee centre on this list and sits $40 above the suburb average of $146.

Great Beginnings Epping is the third-choice recommendation for postcode 3076. A Meeting NQS issued January 2023, a 5.0/5 CareForKids rating, an on-site chef with meals praised repeatedly by parents, flexible session options across four session lengths, and a Reggio Emilia-inspired program delivered by Bachelor-qualified teachers make it a premium offering. At $186.65 per day it is the most expensive centre on this list — $40 above the suburb average — and suits families for whom quality, flexibility and chef-prepared meals justify the premium.