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
Guardian
$185.88
All inclusive
Inspire
$148.50
Lowest fee in top 3
Moorabbin average: $165.96/day before CCS (based on all three centres). All three centres are CCS approved. Fees current as of March 2026.
About childcare in Moorabbin
Moorabbin is a well-connected suburb in Melbourne's south-east, located within the City of Kingston approximately 16 kilometres from the CBD. Families in the area benefit from a mix of residential calm and convenient access to shops, parks and Moorabbin station on the Frankston line. The suburb has a growing number of young families drawn by relatively affordable housing compared to some neighbouring bayside suburbs.
Postcode 3189 has more than ten early learning services, giving parents a genuine range of options across fee levels, educational philosophies and centre sizes. For this guide, we assessed all long day care centres in the postcode against ACECQA National Quality Standard ratings sourced from Starting Blocks, verified fees and parent reviews from CareForKids and Google.
The three centres ranked here span from Exceeding NQS (Guardian) to Meeting NQS (Rainbow DLC and Inspire), with daily fees ranging from $148.50 to $185.88. Each offers government-funded kindergarten integrated within long day care hours, and all three are CCS approved.
Moorabbin childcare: what you need to know
Moorabbin sits within the City of Kingston in Melbourne's south-east. The suburb's postcode (3189) has 10+ childcare services. Guardian is priced at $185.88/day all-inclusive; Rainbow is $163.50/day; Inspire is $148.50/day, the lowest fee in the top 3.
Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
All three centres on this list are CCS approved. Most Australian families are eligible for CCS, which is means-tested based on combined family income and activity levels. Eligible families can receive up to 90% subsidy on fees.
Free Kinder
All three centres offer government-funded kindergarten programs for 3 and 4 year olds integrated within their long day care model. This means your child can attend the same centre for both long day care and kindergarten.
Waitlists
Popular centres in Moorabbin often have waiting lists. Enrol as early as possible, ideally 3 to 6 months before your preferred start date. Contact the centres directly to check current availability.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best childcare centre in Moorabbin VIC?
Guardian Childcare & Education Moorabbin at 488 South Road holds the highest NQS rating in Moorabbin 3189: Exceeding NQS (April 2025), with a 5.0 CareForKids rating. Rainbow DLC at 39-41 Isabella Street has strong parent reviews (5.0, 39 reviews) and holds Meeting NQS (January 2026, upgraded from Working Towards). Inspire at 254 Chesterville Road holds Meeting NQS and offers the largest capacity at 120 places at the lowest fee of $148.50/day.
How much does childcare cost in Moorabbin?
Guardian Moorabbin is priced at $185.88/day with all-inclusive fees. Rainbow DLC is $163.50/day. Inspire is $148.50/day, the lowest fee in the top 3. All fees are confirmed by Starting Blocks and are before the Child Care Subsidy, which can reduce your out-of-pocket costs significantly.
What is the postcode for Moorabbin childcare?
All three top-rated childcare centres in Moorabbin are located in postcode 3189, within the City of Kingston in Melbourne's south-east.
Are all three centres CCS approved?
Yes. Guardian Childcare & Education Moorabbin, Developmental Learning Centre Rainbow, and Inspire Early Learning Journey Moorabbin are all approved to receive the Australian Government's Child Care Subsidy.
What do the different NQS ratings mean?
NQS ratings run from lowest to highest: Significant Improvement Required, Working Towards NQS, Meeting NQS, Exceeding NQS, and Excellent. Guardian holds Exceeding NQS (April 2025). Rainbow holds Meeting NQS (January 2026, upgraded from Working Towards). Inspire holds Meeting NQS (February 2023).
Can I get government-funded kindergarten at these centres?
Yes. All three centres offer government-funded kindergarten programs for 3 and 4 year olds integrated within their long day care model. This means your child can attend the same centre for both long day care and kindergarten without needing separate providers.
Which centre has the largest capacity?
Inspire Early Learning Journey Moorabbin has the largest capacity at 120 approved places. Guardian has 94 places. Rainbow has 86 places. Contact each centre directly to confirm current availability.