How we chose the top 3
Every centre was assessed against five criteria: NQS rating independently assessed by the Victorian regulatory authority, fee transparency verified against the Starting Blocks database, parent satisfaction drawn from KindiCare, CareForKids and Toddle, program quality including curriculum approach and educator qualifications, and practical value including hours, inclusions and Free Kinder access.
We do not accept payment from any centre to appear on this list. Our rankings are independent.
Quick fee comparison
Goodstart Deloraine
$161.82
Goodstart Heaths Rd
$167.04
Fee range: $161.82–$167.40/day among ranked centres. Suburb average approx. $142/day. All three centres are CCS approved. Community Kids has the most comprehensive Starting Blocks-confirmed inclusions (8 items including education programs and excursions/incursions). Both Goodstart centres confirm 5 inclusions (meals and nappies). Fees current as of March 2026. Confirm directly with each centre.
About childcare in Hoppers Crossing
Hoppers Crossing is a large residential suburb in Melbourne's outer west, approximately 30 kilometres from the CBD within the City of Wyndham. One of the most established suburbs in the Wyndham growth corridor, Hoppers Crossing is home to a diverse, multicultural community with a mix of long-term residents and newer families drawn by relatively affordable housing. The area is well served by Hoppers Crossing station, major arterial roads, and local shopping precincts.
Parents in Hoppers Crossing have a wide choice, with more than 50 childcare services in postcode 3029. Key considerations for local families include NQS ratings, fee transparency, staff retention, and the availability of government-funded kindergarten integrated within long day care. Not-for-profit operators and centres with Exceeding NQS ratings are particularly sought after in an area with many options to compare.
All long day care centres in Hoppers Crossing 3029 were assessed for this guide against NQS ratings from ACECQA via Starting Blocks, verified fees, and parent reviews from independent platforms. Three centres were selected as the top-ranked options for 2026.
Hoppers Crossing childcare: what you need to know
Hoppers Crossing sits within the City of Wyndham, approximately 30 km west of Melbourne's CBD. The suburb has more than 50 childcare services in postcode 3029, with an average daily fee of approximately $142 before the Child Care Subsidy, in line with the Greater Melbourne average.
Two Exceeding NQS centres
Goodstart Deloraine Drive (Exceeding, September 2024) and Goodstart Heaths Road (Exceeding, August 2024) both hold the highest NQS rating achievable through standard assessment. Above Exceeding is the rarely awarded Excellent rating, held by fewer than 1% of services. Community Kids holds a Meeting NQS reconfirmed December 2025.
Fees
All three fees are Starting Blocks confirmed. Deloraine Drive charges $161.82, Heaths Road charges $167.04, and Community Kids charges $167.40. Community Kids has the most comprehensive inclusions (8 items). Both Goodstart centres confirm 5 inclusions (meals and nappies).
Free Kinder
Victoria's government-funded kindergarten program provides up to 15 hours per week for eligible 3 and 4-year-olds. All three centres offer integrated Free Kinder within long day care hours, delivered by qualified Early Childhood Teachers.
Opening hours
Goodstart Heaths Road opens at 7:00am, 30 minutes earlier than Deloraine Drive and Community Kids, both of which open at 6:30am. All three close at 6:30pm.
Not-for-profit vs commercial
Goodstart is Australia's largest not-for-profit early learning provider and reinvests any surplus directly into programs and environments. G8 Education (Community Kids) is a commercial operator. Both are well-established, professionally managed services.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best childcare centre in Hoppers Crossing VIC?
Based on NQS rating from Starting Blocks (ACECQA), Toddle recommendations and CareForKids reviews, Goodstart Early Learning Hoppers Crossing - Deloraine Drive at 8-14 Deloraine Drive is the top recommendation in postcode 3029. It holds the most recently awarded Exceeding NQS in the suburb (September 2024), is the top recommendation on Toddle and is rated "Highly recommended" on CareForKids.
How much does childcare cost in Hoppers Crossing?
The average long day care fee in Hoppers Crossing 3029 is approximately $142 per day before the Child Care Subsidy. Goodstart Deloraine Drive charges $161.82, Goodstart Heaths Road charges $167.04, and Community Kids charges $167.40. All fees are Starting Blocks confirmed. Community Kids has the most comprehensive inclusions (8 items including education programs and excursions/incursions).
What is the Exceeding NQS rating?
Exceeding NQS is the highest rating achievable through standard assessment. Above Exceeding is the rarely awarded Excellent rating, held by fewer than 1% of services. Exceeding is awarded to services that go beyond the national standard in one or more quality areas. All NQS ratings on this page are sourced exclusively from Starting Blocks (ACECQA). Goodstart Deloraine Drive and Goodstart Heaths Road both hold Exceeding NQS ratings. Community Kids holds a Meeting NQS rating reconfirmed December 2025.
Is there a government-funded kindergarten program in Hoppers Crossing childcare centres?
Yes. Victoria's Free Kinder program provides government-funded kindergarten hours for eligible 3 and 4-year-olds. All three centres on this list offer integrated Free Kinder within their long day care programs, delivered by qualified Early Childhood Teachers.
What childcare centres in Hoppers Crossing have vacancies?
Availability changes frequently. Contact each centre directly: Goodstart Deloraine Drive on (03) 9749 6221, Goodstart Heaths Road on (03) 9742 6622, and Community Kids on (03) 8560 2800.
What is the postcode for Hoppers Crossing childcare?
All three top-rated childcare centres in Hoppers Crossing are located in postcode 3029, within the City of Wyndham in Melbourne's outer west.
Are all three centres CCS approved?
Yes. Goodstart Early Learning Deloraine Drive, Goodstart Early Learning Heaths Road and Community Kids Hoppers Crossing are all approved to receive the Australian Government's Child Care Subsidy.
Which Hoppers Crossing childcare centre opens earliest?
Goodstart Early Learning Heaths Road at 350 Heaths Road opens at 7:00am, 30 minutes earlier than Deloraine Drive and Community Kids, both of which open at 6:30am.
What is the difference between Goodstart and Community Kids?
Goodstart is Australia's largest not-for-profit early learning provider. Community Kids is operated by G8 Education, one of Australia's largest commercial early learning operators (398 services nationally). Both are well-established, professionally managed services. Goodstart reinvests any surplus into programs and environments. G8 Education operates for shareholder return. Both deliver high-quality early education.