6 km from Melbourne CBD in the City of Port Phillip. 540 children under five.
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The top 3 childcare centres in St Kilda are Little Lane Early Learning Centre St Kilda (Meeting NQS, $176.00/day), Kinderclub Child Care (Meeting NQS, $169.69/day), and North St Kilda Children's Centre (Exceeding NQS, $165.5/day). Rankings are based on ACECQA NQS ratings, verified fees from Starting Blocks, and parent reviews. Fees across the three ranked centres range from $165.50 to $176.00/day.
How we chose: we weigh five things together: NQS rating and how recently it was issued, parent reviews, program and environment, fees and inclusions, and practical fit including hours and Free Kinder access. We do not accept payment from any centre to appear on this list, and we do not rank by who owns a centre. Read how we rank.What an Exceeding NQS rating actually means →
No.1 PICK
Little Lane Early Learning Centre St Kilda
43-45 Brighton Road, St Kilda VIC 3182
Meeting NQS · February 2023
All 7 quality areas: Meeting
Daily fee
$176.00
Hours
Monday to Friday, 6:30am to 6:30pm
Ages
6 weeks to 6 years
CCS approved
Yes
Free Kinder
Yes, integrated
Capacity
149 children
Little Lane Early Learning Centre St Kilda opened in January 2025 and is a vibrant new childcare centre dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for children aged from 6 weeks to 6 years.
The state-of-the-art facility is designed to inspire creativity and curiosity, featuring bright classrooms filled with age-appropriate learning resources, outdoor play areas, and interactive spaces that promote exploration.
Little Lane believes in a holistic approach to early childhood education, emphasising the importance of play-based learning to foster social, emotional, and cognitive development. The centre offers integrated government-funded kindergarten programs for 3 and 4 year olds, and is currently accepting both permanent and casual enrolments.
Our take
Little Lane opened in January 2025, making it the newest of the three ranked centres. It holds Meeting NQS from its first assessment. At $176/day it is the most expensive of the three, but offers purpose-built facilities and a 149-place capacity that the other two smaller centres cannot match. No independent reviews exist yet on Google or other platforms. Best suited for families who want a modern, large-format centre and are comfortable enrolling before a review track record is established.
Best for: Families comfortable enrolling in a brand-new centre before reviews exist, in exchange for purpose-built facilities and a 149-place capacity that the other two St Kilda top-3 centres cannot match.
Kinderclub Child Care is an established, community-focused centre that has been continuously operating for over 30 years in a beautiful converted house in St Kilda. With only 45 children, the centre maintains an intimate, family-like atmosphere where educators know each child and family personally.
Kinderclub's commitment to quality is reflected in consistently strong parent feedback. The centre offers integrated government-funded kindergarten programs and all-inclusive fees covering meals, nappies, education programs, and excursions.
Kinderclub currently has permanent vacancies available for families seeking to enrol.
What parents say
“Kinderclub has been wonderful for our family. The staff are warm, caring, and genuinely invested in our son's development. He's settled in beautifully and loves coming to the centre. The all-inclusive fees are fantastic - no surprises or hidden costs. We couldn't recommend them highly enough.”Parent review
“We're very happy with Kinderclub. The staff genuinely care about each child's wellbeing and development. The all-inclusive fees mean everything from meals to excursions is covered - no extra costs. The centre has a lovely community feel and we feel very confident leaving our daughter in their care.”Parent review
Our take
Kinderclub is the best-value option of the three ranked centres. Over 30 years of continuous operation, consistently strong parent-review scores, all-inclusive fees at $169.69/day, and a 45-place intimate setting make it the standout choice for families who want personal, community-focused care. Permanent vacancies are currently available.
Best for: Families seeking affordable, intimate childcare with strong parent satisfaction, all-inclusive fees, and currently available permanent vacancies.
North St Kilda Children's Centre is a council-run, not-for-profit centre operated by the City of Port Phillip that has achieved Exceeding NQS status (December 2022), one of the highest ratings available.
As a council-operated service, the centre prioritises community access and affordability whilst maintaining excellence in early learning and care. The centre offers integrated government-funded kindergarten programs for 3 and 4 year olds.
Please note: from January 2026, the City of Port Phillip has been relocating some programs and families from North St Kilda to Bubup Nairm Children's Centre during a planned upgrade of the facility. The centre continues to operate with a limited number of places during this period. Families are encouraged to contact the centre directly to confirm current availability and enrolment options before applying.
What parents say
“North St Kilda Children's Centre is an exceptional service. The staff are professional, caring, and genuinely invested in each child's development. Our son has thrived here and we feel very confident in their care. The centre has a wonderful community atmosphere and the Exceeding NQS rating is well deserved.”Parent review
“Wonderful centre with excellent educators. Our daughter has settled in beautifully and loves coming here. The staff are warm, attentive, and create a nurturing environment. We're very happy with our choice.”Parent review
Our take
North St Kilda Children's Centre is the highest-rated of the three ranked centres by NQS standards, holding Exceeding NQS status. As a council-run, not-for-profit service at $162/day, it offers strong value. However, availability is currently limited due to a facility upgrade. Contact the centre directly to confirm places before applying.
Best for: Families seeking council-run, not-for-profit childcare with Exceeding NQS status and strong community values.
Average across these three centres: $170.40/day before CCS. All three centres are CCS approved. Confirm directly with each centre.
Childcare fees vary by age group. The rates shown may reflect different age bands at different centres, so confirm the rate for your child's age directly with each centre.
St Kilda is a vibrant, densely populated inner-south suburb located within the City of Port Phillip, approximately 6 kilometres from Melbourne's CBD. Postcode 3182 encompasses a diverse community of young professionals, families, and long-term residents, with a mix of heritage terraces, apartment buildings, and newer developments. The suburb is well serviced by tram routes along Fitzroy Street, Acland Street and St Kilda Road, and is a popular residential choice for families who want proximity to the beach, public transport, and the cultural amenities of Melbourne's inner suburbs.
Parents in St Kilda typically prioritise convenience, community values, and a welcoming environment that reflects the suburb's diverse character. With fees ranging from $165.50 to $176.00 per day across the top-ranked centres, St Kilda offers a range of price points. The presence of a council-run centre alongside private and community operators gives families genuine choice in governance models. Waitlists vary - some centres have immediate availability while others are limited.
For this guide, early learning services in St Kilda 3182 were assessed against NQS ratings from ACECQA via Starting Blocks, verified fees, and parent reviews. Three long day care centres were selected as the top-ranked options for families.
St Kilda sits within the City of Port Phillip in Melbourne's inner south. Daily long day care fees across the three ranked centres range from $165.50 to $176.00 before the Child Care Subsidy.
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
Kinderclub currently has permanent vacancies available. Little Lane is newly opened and accepting enrolments. Contact North St Kilda directly to confirm availability given the ongoing facility upgrade.
What is the best childcare centre in St Kilda VIC?
North St Kilda Children's Centre at 71 Argyle Street holds the highest NQS rating of the three ranked centres: Exceeding NQS (December 2022). However, availability is currently limited during a facility upgrade. Kinderclub Child Care at 35 Crimea Street has consistently strong parent feedback from 24 reviews and has permanent vacancies available. Little Lane at 43-45 Brighton Road is a brand new centre with modern facilities.
How much does childcare cost in St Kilda?
Daily fees across the three ranked centres range from $165.50 to $176.00 per day before the Child Care Subsidy. Kinderclub charges $169.69, North St Kilda charges $165.5, and Little Lane charges $176.00. The Child Care Subsidy can reduce your out-of-pocket costs significantly. Eligible families can receive up to 90% subsidy on fees.
What is the postcode for St Kilda childcare?
All three top-rated childcare centres in St Kilda are located in postcode 3182, within the City of Port Phillip in Melbourne's inner south.
Are all three centres CCS approved?
Yes. Little Lane Early Learning Centre, Kinderclub Child Care, and North St Kilda Children's Centre are all approved to receive the Australian Government's Child Care Subsidy.
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.
What does Exceeding NQS mean?
Exceeding NQS means the centre goes beyond the requirements of the National Quality Standard in at least four of the seven quality areas. It is one of the highest ratings available, sitting above Meeting NQS. North St Kilda Children's Centre holds this rating.
Which centre has vacancies available now?
Kinderclub Child Care currently has permanent vacancies available. Little Lane is newly opened and accepting both permanent and casual enrolments. North St Kilda has limited availability during a facility upgrade. Contact the centre directly to confirm.