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Childcare and Kindergartens on the Sunshine Coast 2026, How to Find the Best Childcare Near You
Sunshine Coast childcare guide 2026: how to find quality long day care, kindergarten and preschool on the Sunshine Coast, plus Queensland kindy funding, CCS and waitlist tips.
How we reported this
Childcare and Kindergartens on the Sunshine Coast 2026
The Sunshine Coast has been one of Queensland's fastest-growing regions, and childcare has not kept pace with population growth in many suburbs. Noosa, Buderim, Maroochydore and the Hinterland are particularly high-demand areas. The Queensland Kindy Funding scheme provides support for 4-year-olds across the region. earlychildhood.qld.gov.au
Types of Childcare on the Sunshine Coast
- Long Day Care (LDC), Sunshine Coast daily fees average $110-$150 before subsidy. Noosa and Buderim have the most competitive waitlists, often 12+ months at popular services. Newer areas (Aura, Sippy Downs) have more recently established services with growing but sometimes shorter waitlists.
- Kindergarten (Kindy Funding), Queensland Kindergarten Funding Scheme for eligible 4-year-olds, 15 hours per week at approved Sunshine Coast kindergarten services. earlychildhood.qld.gov.au
- Family Day Care, strong family day care presence across the Sunshine Coast, particularly in the Hinterland (Maleny, Montville, Nambour) and outer areas. familydaycare.com.au
Find Childcare on the Sunshine Coast
Search all approved Sunshine Coast services at childcarefinder.gov.au. Apply for the Child Care Subsidy via myGov: servicesaustralia.gov.au.
This article was compiled by AI and screened before publishing. See our editorial standards.