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Childcare and Kindergarten in Brisbane 2026, Costs, Child Care Subsidy, Free Kindy, and How to Find a Centre Near You
Brisbane childcare guide 2026: how much long day care costs in Brisbane before and after the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), Queensland Free Kindy for 4-year-olds, NQS ratings, and how to find a childcare centre near you in Brisbane.
How we reported this
Childcare and Kindergarten in Brisbane 2026
Brisbane has a large and competitive childcare market. Queensland's Free Kindy program provides 15 hours per week of free kindergarten for eligible 4-year-olds at approved services, significantly reducing costs for families with kindergarten-age children in Brisbane. qld.gov.au
How Much Does Childcare Cost in Brisbane 2026?
- Long day care (daily rate, before CCS), inner Brisbane, typically $155-$205/day
- Long day care (daily rate, before CCS), outer suburbs, typically $115-$165/day
- Family day care (daily rate, before CCS), typically $85-$135/day
- After CCS for median Brisbane family income, typically $20-$62/day (income-tested)
Queensland Free Kindy in Brisbane
Queensland's Free Kindy program provides 15 hours per week at no cost for eligible 4-year-olds at approved long day care and kindergarten services. Eligible families can access this through approved services, search and check NQS ratings at childcarefinder.gov.au. childcarefinder.gov.au
This article was compiled by AI and screened before publishing. See our editorial standards.