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Childcare Gold Coast 2026: Costs, Types & How to Find
Find childcare on the Gold Coast in 2026. Compare long day care, family day care, kindergarten costs ($90-$165/day), Child Care Subsidy eligibility, and Queensland kindy programs.
How we reported this
Childcare and Kindergarten on the Gold Coast 2026
The Gold Coast has a large childcare market reflecting the city's young demographic profile and strong population growth. All Queensland childcare must be approved under the National Quality Framework. earlychildhood.qld.gov.au
Types of Childcare on the Gold Coast
- Long day care: Centre-based care, typically 6:30am-6:30pm, for children 0-5
- Family day care: Registered home-based carer
- Queensland Kindy: 15 hours/week funded kindergarten for 4 year olds in the year before Prep
- Prep: The first year of Queensland school, for children turning 5 by June 30
What Does Childcare Cost on the Gold Coast 2026?
- Long day care daily fee: $90-$165/day
- Family day care: $70-$115/day
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
Apply through myGov/Centrelink. servicesaustralia.gov.au
How to Find Childcare on the Gold Coast
Use startingblocks.gov.au to search. The Gold Coast has a rapidly growing population and childcare supply has struggled to keep pace in fast-growing areas (Pimpama, Coomera, Upper Coomera, Ormeau), join waitlists well in advance in these areas.
This article was compiled by AI and screened before publishing. See our editorial standards.