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Childcare Gold Coast 2026: Find Daycare & Kindy
Find childcare, daycare and kindergarten on the Gold Coast. Compare costs, waiting lists, CCS subsidies and free kindy options for 4-year-olds.
How we reported this
Gold Coast Childcare and Kindergarten 2026, Overview
The Gold Coast's rapidly growing young family population means childcare demand is very high, particularly in growth corridors at Coomera, Hope Island, Pimpama and Upper Coomera. Queensland's free kindy program for 4-year-olds applies across the Gold Coast. Here's what Gold Coast families need to know.
Types of Childcare and Early Education on the Gold Coast
- Long Day Care (LDC), Full-day centres for children 6 weeks to 5 years. Eligible for CCS. Gold Coast average rates: $110-$155/day before CCS.
- Family Day Care (FDC), Home-based care across Gold Coast suburbs. Eligible for CCS.
- Queensland Free Kindy, Free 15 hours/week kindergarten for all 4-year-olds. Delivered at approved LDC centres and standalone kindergartens. qld.gov.au/families/babies/childcare-kindy
Child Care Subsidy
Maximum 90% CCS for families under $80,000 combined income. Apply via: servicesaustralia.gov.au/child-care-subsidy
Finding Childcare on the Gold Coast
- Childcare Finder, childcarefinder.gov.au
- Goodstart Early Learning, Major Gold Coast network. goodstart.org.au
- C&K (Childcare and Kindergarten), Queensland's major not-for-profit provider. candk.asn.au
Gold Coast Childcare Costs and Waiting Lists
Waiting lists are most severe in growth corridors, Coomera, Upper Coomera, Pimpama and Hope Island new developments regularly see 18-24 month waits for popular centres. In Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Palm Beach, waits are typically 6-12 months. Join multiple centres's waiting lists as soon as possible, ideally during pregnancy for infants.
This article was compiled by AI and screened before publishing. See our editorial standards.