Find Their Happy Place: 5 Best Daycare Centres in Sydney
Indoor playgrounds have been my go-to when my little one needs to burn off energy, and I need a breather. But a couple of hours in the ball pit won’t cover a full workday!
Finding the best daycare in Sydney feels like a bigger leap than booking our usual play session. I want somewhere my child will feel safe, make friends and come home with stories to tell.
Longer hours matter, but so does a place that feels right when we walk in. Here are the local centres I’d put on my tour list.
How much does daycare cost in Sydney?
Centre-based long day care costs around $140–$220 per day. Family day care is around $90–$155 per day. Community or council preschools cost around $90–$140 per day.
Fees vary by provider, so check the current rate before enrolling.
1. Leichhardt Montessori Academy Child Care Centre
Website
Address: 67 Norton Street, Leichhardt
Contact: 1300 000 162
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM – 6 PM
If my little one’s going to spend the day away from me, I want more than a room full of toys. Leichhardt Montessori Academy’s hands-on approach gives children plenty to explore while following the Early Years Learning Framework.
The five Montessori classrooms and two secure playgrounds should keep busy little hands occupied. Secure entry and CCTV offer some reassurance when it’s time for that first nervous drop-off.
Meals, snacks, nappies and learning materials are included, which means fewer things to pack before the morning rush.
I appreciate the Kindyhub app for daily updates, and the 7:30 AM to 6 PM hours leave some breathing room around work.
The catch is that full-day fees apply even if my child stays for only a few hours. It’s closed on weekends too, so families needing Saturday care will have to look elsewhere.
Customer Reviews
A Truly Exceptional and Special Daycare
Our son Jackson went to this daycare as his first daycare from 9 months old.
We have recently moved out of Sydney, so he no longer goes here – the more I experience other daycare centres for my son, I honestly now realise just how exceptional this one was.
Jackson was never just a number to anyone there; he was known and loved by everyone. They really did make him feel special and safe.
- Samantha George | Google Reviews
Welcoming Environment with Fun Educational Activities
My daughter and I love this daycare! The dedicated and engaged educators show care and consideration for each child and where they are in their development. Chera, the centre manager, is always so friendly and knows all the children’s names, which helps to create the welcoming and genuine environment that we felt from day one. With a day filled with a variety of fun and educational activities, I love seeing the daily photo updates and know my daughter enjoys going and is getting the best care possible.
- Emilie van Os-Schmitt | Google Reviews
2. Oxford Greens Early Education Centre
Website
Address: 176 Johnston Road, Bass Hill
Contact: (02) 9723 3661 | Mobile: 0404 526 665 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7 AM – 6 PM
Oxford Greens caught my eye because its Bass Hill centre has spaces for children at different stages, from babies to preschoolers.
The educators have early childhood qualifications, which makes that first drop-off feel a little less daunting.
Older children get a play-based literacy program with stories, alphabet games and early writing activities. It’s a nice way to meet letters before school starts making a big fuss about them.
The OWNA app shares photos and daily records, so I could check how my little one’s day is going. Hours run from 7 AM to 6 PM on weekdays, giving working parents some room around the commute.
Do note that the advertised $90 daily rate is for children aged three and over; care for under-twos costs $99. The centre closes on weekends, too, so it won’t cover a Saturday shift.
Customer Reviews
Invaluable Foundation for Our Child’s Future
We couldn’t be happier with our experience at Oxford Greens. The emphasis on learning was evident in the diverse and engaging activities that contributed significantly to our daughter’s intellectual development. The growth in her social skills was remarkable, thanks to the supportive and nurturing environment provided by the dedicated teachers. Their commitment to fostering a positive and enriching atmosphere truly sets this daycare apart. We’re grateful for the invaluable foundation they’ve laid for our child’s future.
- Timothy Gorden | Google Reviews
Nurturing Environment Fostering Growth and Confidence
I fell in love with the centre and staff from the first tour with Jennifer. The staff are extremely nurturing and help parents and children feel at ease with their professionalism and evident love for their work.
My son began his daycare journey as a quiet, shy boy, and now graduates from preschool as a confident child ready for big school.
Thank you a million, Jen and team!
Highly recommended!
- Katie Kassis| Google Reviews
3. Guardian Childcare & Education George Street
Website
Address: Level 1 580 George Street
Contact: 13 82 30
Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
If my workday takes me into the CBD, Guardian George Street’s 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM hours would give me room to breathe. Its central location makes drop-off easier to fit around a city commute.
I like that its To BE Me program follows each child’s interests and stage of development across seven learning areas.
Regular portfolio updates would give me more to ask about than whether my little one ate lunch.
Speaking of lunch, a chef prepares meals on site using nutritionist-designed menus. There’s live accordion and piano music too, plus sports and yoga for children who’d rather move than sit still.
However, the centre’s outdoor play spaces connect to a balcony, which may disappoint parents hoping for a ground-level garden. It’s closed on weekends as well, so Saturday shifts would need another plan.
Customer Reviews
Fantastic Service and Highly Engaging Learning
Fantastic service! Our daughter has been with them since 9 months old, and has 1 year to go. We have never had an issue; the staff are welcoming and friendly. Our daughter loves going so much that she hates to leave at night, which is encouraging. The things she learns and is taught at daycare could never be recreated in the home environment. Give them a go; you seriously won’t be disappointed!! 10/10
- Carl Conder | Google Reviews
Passionate Educators Providing Exceptional Child Care
My experience at George St has been really positive- I currently have two children attending the toddler and Preschool rooms respectively. You can tell how passionate and caring the educators are, and they really provide each child with the attention they need and build on their interests. I have been a parent here since 2017 and have never been happier with the level of care my children are receiving.
- Caitlin Robinson | Google Reviews
4. World Tower Early Learning Centre
Website
Address: Level 14/87-89 Liverpool Street
Contact: 02 9262 7927 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7 AM – 7 PM
World Tower Early Learning Centre gets my attention with 7 AM to 7 PM weekday hours. Casual and half-day care could be handy when work doesn’t follow a neat weekly pattern.
A chef prepares hot lunches and snacks using fresh, seasonal produce. That’s one less lunchbox to remember before the morning rush!
Preschoolers take part in school-readiness activities, while STEM is among the centre’s learning areas. Its Level 14 setting has indoor and outdoor play spaces, giving little ones room to explore above the CBD bustle.
Do note that the listed tour days are Tuesday to Thursday, starting from 10 AM, which could be awkward around work.
Also, the centre’s Level 14 location may not suit families who prefer street-level drop-offs.
Customer Reviews
Seamless Experience and Outstanding Care for Travel
My 11-month-old son visited WTCC under casual enrolment for 3 days during a work trip to Sydney. I COULD NOT RECOMMEND WTCC more! My son has only had occasional daycare exposure prior and relies on a little extra comfort and reassurance in care, especially while we’re travelling.
The facilities, meals, educators, communication and handover process were fantastic. I was so apprehensive about the trip but Natalie and her amazing team, the Koala room in particular, made the whole experience far more seamless than I could have imagined and kept me updated and organised every step of the way.
- Chelsea Sunderland | Google Reviews
Nurturing Environment Built on Passion and Dedication
My daughter had the privilege of being part of the World Tower Childcare Centre family for a year and a half, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. World Tower Childcare is more than just a daycare; it’s a nurturing environment where every child is cared for with passion and dedication.
- Jo-ann De Gracia | Google Reviews
5. The Tree House Child Care Centre
Website
Address: Level 2, 133 Castlereagh Street
Contact: 02 9264 3573
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM – 6 PM
A childcare centre on Castlereagh Street isn’t where I’d expect to find sandpits and a secret forest play area. The Tree House has both, plus a rooftop atrium that brings natural light into the space.
Its Exceeding National Quality Standard rating gives me something firmer to go on than a pretty playroom.
Director Kylie Anderson is a university-qualified early childhood teacher, and the centre’s play-based program explores nature and sustainability.
Cooked meals and nappies could spare me a frantic morning packing session. I’d welcome the Storypark updates too, especially on days when pick-up conversations get interrupted by a tired little one.
Do note that the full daily fee is $197.60 for infants and $189.30 for older children before any applicable subsidy or fee relief. Pick-up is also by 6 PM, which could be tight if a CBD workday runs late.
Customer Reviews
Strong Partnership and Genuine Support for Children
We recently moved our two daughters to this daycare, and we couldn’t be happier. The educators and the campus director know the children well and are clearly passionate about what they do. They take the time to connect with parents and genuinely work in partnership with us to support each child’s development.
- Vivian Chan | Google Reviews
Fully Engaged Staff and High Quality Care
When I arrived, it was a totally different atmosphere; the teachers were fully engaged in the activities with the children. I didn’t see any workers on technology. All the kids were happy and had the teachers’ full attention. I enrolled my kids that day. My kids have been going for a few months now, and I am so blessed my kids are having such high-quality care.
- KJ | GoogleReviews