Childcare Brisbane 2026: Costs, Options & How to Find

Childcare and Kindergarten in Brisbane 2026

Brisbane has a large childcare market. Queensland calls the year before school "Prep" (not Kindy or Kindergarten) — and the funded kindergarten year for 4 year olds is known as the "Kindy" program, which runs the year before Prep. earlychildhood.qld.gov.au

Types of Childcare in Brisbane

• Long day care: Centre-based, typically 6:30am-6:30pm, for children 0-5
• Family day care: Registered home-based carer
• Kindergarten (Queensland): Funded 15 hours/week for 4 year olds in the year before Prep
• Prep: The first year of Queensland state school, for children turning 5 by June 30 of the year they start

What Does Childcare Cost in Brisbane 2026?

• Long day care daily fee: $95-$175/day — generally more affordable than Sydney and Melbourne
• Family day care: $70-$120/day
• Queensland Kindy: The government subsidy for 4 year old kindergarten significantly reduces out-of-pocket costs

The Child Care Subsidy (CCS)

The CCS is means-tested and activity-tested. Apply through myGov/Centrelink. servicesaustralia.gov.au/child-care-subsidy

How to Find Childcare in Brisbane

Use startingblocks.gov.au to search for approved services. Popular Brisbane inner-city suburbs (New Farm, Teneriffe, West End, Paddington, Bulimba, Norman Park) have limited spots and long waitlists — start your search early.

This article was compiled by AI and screened before publishing. See our editorial standards.