Childcare Costs Geelong: Fees and Subsidies Guide

Childcare in Geelong

Geelong has reasonable childcare availability relative to its size, though the rapidly growing Armstrong Creek and Lara corridors can be undersupplied as population growth outpaces new centre development. Fees are below Melbourne.

Types of Childcare

Long Day Care (LDC) for 0-5 year olds is the main form. Geelong has a mix of community-based and private centres, with several Deakin University-affiliated services for campus families. Kindergarten in Victoria: children are entitled to 15 hours/week of funded kinder in the year before school, with funded 3-year-old kinder progressively rolling out. Many LDC centres include kinder programs.

Costs in Geelong

Geelong LDC fees range from approximately $110-$145/day — below Melbourne equivalents. Inner Geelong (Newtown, Geelong West, Highton) tends to be slightly higher. Surf Coast (Torquay, Anglesea) centres can also be higher due to lifestyle premiums. Armstrong Creek and outer southern Geelong tend to be more competitive.

Child Care Subsidy

Federal CCS applies — 90% for families under $80,000, sliding to $530,000. Apply via myGov. Victoria also funds kindergarten separately through the Victorian Kindergarten Funding Scheme, which applies to both 3-year-old and 4-year-old programs.

Finding Childcare in Geelong

Starting Blocks (startingblocks.gov.au) covers all Geelong approved services. The Surf Coast and Bellarine Peninsula also have approved services listed. Community centres in established Geelong suburbs often have slightly shorter waitlists than inner-Melbourne equivalents.

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