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
Bubup Wilam
$146.20
Excellent NQS
Journey Early Learning
$178.00
Full inclusions on Starting Blocks
Montessori Beginnings
$160.99
No inclusions listed. Confirm directly
Suburb average approx. $152/day. Bubup Wilam offers the lowest fee and the highest NQS rating in the suburb. Journey Early Learning offers the most recent NQS assessment (March 2025). Montessori Beginnings lists no inclusions on Starting Blocks. Confirm directly with the centre on 0468 557 162. All three centres are CCS approved. Fees current as of March 2026. Confirm directly with each centre.
About childcare in Thomastown
Thomastown is a well-established suburb in Melbourne's northern corridor, located approximately 16 kilometres from the CBD within the City of Whittlesea. The area is home to a diverse, multicultural community with a strong local identity, supported by Thomastown station and proximity to major roads. Families in Thomastown benefit from a range of local amenities including parks, schools and community services.
The suburb has at least six long day care centres providing a limited number of licensed places relative to local demand, indicating moderate-to-high demand for quality early childhood education. The average daily fee across long day care centres in Thomastown is approximately $152 per day before the Child Care Subsidy.
Thomastown's early learning landscape includes one Exceeding NQS-rated centre, a Montessori-accredited service and a range of established community and private providers. Families considering childcare in Thomastown are encouraged to visit centres in person and confirm fees, inclusions and vacancy status directly.
Thomastown childcare: what you need to know
Thomastown sits within the City of Whittlesea, approximately 16 km north of Melbourne's CBD. The suburb has at least 6 long day care centres providing approximately 411 licensed places. With approximately 1,148 children under 5 in the suburb, the ratio of approximately 2.6 children per available place indicates moderate-to-high demand. Bubup Wilam holds the only Excellent NQS rating in Thomastown. Top 3 fee range: $146.20-$178.00/day before CCS. Suburb average: ~$152/day.
Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
All three top-ranked centres are CCS approved. Eligible families can receive up to 90% subsidy. CCS is means-tested based on combined family income and activity levels.
Free Kinder
Victoria's Free Kinder program provides up to 15 funded hours per week for eligible 3 and 4-year-olds. All three top-ranked centres offer integrated Free Kinder within their long day care programs.
One Excellent NQS centre
Bubup Wilam Aboriginal Child & Family Centre is the only Excellent NQS long day care centre in Thomastown 3074, awarded by ACECQA in November 2023. No centres are currently rated Exceeding NQS. All other rated centres hold Meeting NQS, except Maria Montessori Pre-School which holds Significant Improvement Required.
High demand suburb
Thomastown has approximately 1,148 children under 5 and approximately 411 licensed long day care places, a ratio of approximately 2.6 children per available place, higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.0. Families should apply early for preferred centres, particularly for Bubup Wilam (82 places, specialised services) and Journey Early Learning (80 places, high demand).
Frequently asked questions
What is the best childcare centre in Thomastown VIC?
Based on our analysis, Bubup Wilam Aboriginal Child & Family Centre is the top-rated childcare centre in Thomastown. It holds an Excellent NQS rating, the highest rating under the National Quality Framework, awarded by ACECQA to fewer than 1% of services nationally. Located at 36 Sparks Avenue, Thomastown VIC 3074.
What is the average cost of long day care in Thomastown?
The average daily fee across Thomastown's long day care sector is approximately $152, with individual centres ranging from $146.20 (Bubup Wilam) to $178.00 (Journey Early Learning). All three top-ranked centres are CCS approved. Contact each centre directly to confirm current fees and inclusions.
How many long day care places are available in Thomastown?
There are approximately 411 licensed long day care places across the centres profiled in this guide. With approximately 1,148 children under 5 in the suburb, demand is high. Families should apply early for preferred centres.
What does an Excellent NQS rating mean?
An Excellent NQS rating is the highest possible rating under the National Quality Framework. It can only be awarded by ACECQA (not by state regulatory authorities) to services that demonstrate exceptional practice and sector leadership across all quality areas. Bubup Wilam holds the only Excellent rating in Thomastown, assessed in November 2023 by ACECQA.
Are there Montessori childcare options in Thomastown?
Yes, Montessori Beginnings Thomastown at 251 Settlement Road is the only Montessori-accredited centre in Thomastown. It offers child-led learning, practical life activities, and sensorial exploration based on Montessori methodology. Phone: 0468 557 162.
Does Thomastown have Aboriginal-focused childcare services?
Yes, Bubup Wilam Aboriginal Child & Family Centre at 52-76 Main Street specialises in Aboriginal child and family services. The centre offers cultural programming, language immersion, connection to country, and family support services. It holds the highest NQS rating in Thomastown (Excellent) and the lowest daily fee ($146.20). Phone: (03) 8459 4800. Contact centre directly to confirm vacancy status.
What is the NQS rating system?
The National Quality Standard (NQS) is Australia's quality framework for early childhood education and care. Centres are assessed across 7 quality areas and given an overall rating. From highest to lowest, the ratings are: Excellent (awarded by ACECQA only), Exceeding NQS, Meeting NQS, Working Towards NQS, and Significant Improvement Required. Ratings are published on Starting Blocks at startingblocks.gov.au.
How often are childcare centres assessed for NQS compliance?
Childcare centres are assessed periodically by state and territory regulatory authorities. Thomastown centres have assessments ranging from December 2022 (Me for Kids - Thomastown Learning Centre) to March 2025 (Journey Early Learning). More recent assessments indicate current compliance with quality standards.
Can I see parent reviews for Thomastown childcare centres?
Yes, parent reviews are available on CareForKids and Google. Journey Early Learning has a 5.0/5 CareForKids rating (81 reviews). Bubup Wilam has a 4.0/5 CareForKids rating (7 reviews). Montessori Beginnings has a 5.0 Google rating. Me for Kids - Thomastown Learning Centre has a 5.0/5 CareForKids rating (38 reviews).
Are there childcare subsidies available in Thomastown?
Yes, eligible families may receive the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) from the Australian Government, covering up to 90% of fees depending on family income, hours of care needed, and the centre's approved provider status. All three top-ranked centres are CCS approved.
How do I choose between Bubup Wilam, Journey Early Learning and Montessori Beginnings?
Choose Bubup Wilam if you're seeking the highest NQS rating (Excellent), Aboriginal cultural programming, family support services, the lowest daily fee ($146.20), and community-focused care. Phone (03) 8459 4800. Choose Journey Early Learning if you want the most recent NQS assessment (March 2025), premium facilities, highest parent review volume (81 CareForKids reviews), full inclusions confirmed on Starting Blocks, and strong digital communication. Phone (03) 8746 6900. Choose Montessori Beginnings if you specifically want Montessori methodology, child-led learning, and a 5.0 Google rating. Phone 0468 557 162. Visit all three in person to see which aligns best with your family's values and needs.