Explorers Early Learning and Childcare Centre Essendon
30-32 Lincoln Road, Essendon, VIC 3040
- 6 weeks to school age
- Integrated kindergarten
- Mon–Fri · 6:30am – 6:30pm
Ages
6 weeks to school age
Open
Mon–Fri · 6:30am – 6:30pm
Kindergarten
3 & 4 year integrated
Meals
Cooked fresh on-site
About this centre
Childcare and kindergarten in Essendon, designed for joyful learning.
A warm, nurturing early learning centre where children feel safe, connected and ready to grow.
At Explorers Essendon, children aged 6 weeks to school age are welcomed into a calm, relationship-led environment where learning begins with trust, curiosity and joy.
Located on Lincoln Road, our Essendon childcare centre supports families with long day care, nutritious meals, thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor learning spaces, and integrated kindergarten programs. From gentle nursery care to confident school readiness, our educators take the time to know each child deeply and support their individual learning journey.
Guided by our Learning for Life curriculum and inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, our Essendon early learning centre is designed to nurture confidence, creativity and belonging through meaningful, play-based learning.
With thoughtfully designed indoor spaces, nature-inspired outdoor play areas, fresh meals prepared daily by our in-house chef and a Bush Kinder program that gives children time to learn in nature, Explorers Essendon offers space to explore, discover and grow in a way that feels calm, caring and full of possibility.
What you'll find here
Why families choose Explorers Essendon.
Reggio Emilia inspired
Integrated kindergarten
Fresh food, every day
Indoor / outdoor flow
Family Hub
Programs
Programs for every stage of early learning.
From your baby's first days to the year before school, every room runs our Learning for Life curriculum: child-led, play-based, and grounded in the Early Years Learning Framework.
Child safety first, always
Safe, supported, and genuinely known.
Choosing the right childcare is one of the most important decisions a family can make. At Explorers, child safety and wellbeing are embedded into every part of our practice, from secure entry systems and supervision procedures to the respectful, trusting relationships we build with every child. Our educators are trained in First Aid, CPR, asthma and anaphylaxis management, and our safety practices are supported by clear policies, regular risk assessments and a strong culture of care. Most importantly, we create environments where children feel emotionally safe, deeply supported and genuinely known.
Read our child-safety commitmentBeyond the classroom
Bush Kinder & enrichment experiences.
At Explorers Essendon, learning extends beyond the classroom. Children may take part in Bush Kinder, local excursions, incursions, music, movement, visual arts and community experiences that help them connect with the world around them.
See our enrichment program
- Bush Kinder
- Local excursions
- Music & movement
- Visual arts
Trusted by families
What families tell us.
Words shared with us by families across our Victorian centre network.
“The centre is bright, clean, and thoughtfully set up, and the staff were warm and welcoming from the moment we walked in.”
“Couldn't speak more highly of the team. They have been so supportive for both of our kids.”
“Such lovely and caring educators. Always going above and beyond!”
See how much you could save with CCS.
Use our Child Care Subsidy calculator to estimate your out-of-pocket childcare costs and understand how much support your family may be eligible to receive.
Explore nearby
Compare other Explorers centres nearby.
If this location does not fit your routine, keep exploring within the Explorers network.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions.
Can't find what you're after? Our Family Support Team is happy to help, give us a call or browse all FAQs.
Where is the centre located?
Our centre is located on Lincoln Road and is close to all the local shops, making it a convenient location for families.
What ages does Explorers Essendon care for?
Explorers Essendon provides early learning and care for children aged 6 weeks to school age, including nursery, toddler, 3-Year-Old Kinder and 4-Year-Old Kinder programs.
Do you offer funded kindergarten at Essendon?
Yes. Explorers Essendon offers kindergarten programs as part of our integrated early learning experience. Our kindergarten program supports children’s confidence, independence, social connection and school readiness through play-based learning, project work and strong educator relationships.
Is there onsite or off-street parking for pickups and drop-offs?
Yes, we have plenty of onsite parking available, making it convenient and safe for parents during drop-offs and pick-ups.
How can you get there by public transport?
Our centre is commute-friendly and easily accessible by bus or train. The nearest train station is Essendon Station, which is just a short walk away from our centre.
What Child Care Subsidy am I entitled to?
Your Child Care Subsidy depends on your family income, activity level and individual circumstances. You can use our Child Care Subsidy Calculator to estimate your possible out-of-pocket costs. Our team can also help explain how CCS may apply to your child’s care and how it works alongside funded kindergarten.
Child Care Subsidy (CCS) CalculatorIs there a waitlist and how does it work?
Availability can vary across nursery, toddler and kindergarten rooms. If there is a waitlist, we encourage families to register their interest so our team can keep you updated as places become available. You are also welcome to book a tour or contact the centre to discuss current availability.
Do you provide meals?
Yes. Fresh, nutritious meals and snacks are prepared by our in-house chef each day. We cater for allergies, dietary requirements and cultural preferences, helping ensure every child is safely included and well nourished throughout the day.
How does Explorers Essendon integrate sustainability into its indoor and outdoor learning environments?
We love nurturing a love for the planet early on! From hands-on gardening to fun recycling activities, we keep little explorers engaged in caring for the environment.
What are the qualifications and experience levels of the educators at Explorers Essendon?
In addition to their years of experience, our teachers are passionate about supporting children in their educational journeys. They provide a welcoming, engaging environment in which children feel supported, encouraged, and excited to learn something new every day.
How does Explorers Essendon support children with allergies or dietary needs?
Families are encouraged to share allergy, medical and dietary information during enrolment so our team can plan safely and thoughtfully. Our in-house chef can adjust meals where needed, and educators follow clear processes to support each child’s health and wellbeing.
How does Explorers Essendon include sustainability in learning?
Sustainability is woven into everyday experiences at Explorers Essendon. Children are encouraged to care for their environment through hands-on gardening, recycling activities and everyday conversations that help them understand responsibility, respect and care for the world around them.
In what ways are families encouraged to participate in their child's learning journey at Explorers Essendon?
We love having families be part of the learning journey! That’s why we regularly invite parents to join special events and activities, creating fun opportunities to learn, play, and grow together.
What measures are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of children, especially during outdoor activities?
We take serious safety measures by keeping all outdoor activities closely supervised by our trained educators. Outdoor play is closely supervised by trained educators, and our outdoor learning spaces are designed to be safe, age-appropriate and engaging. Educators support children to move confidently, take safe risks and enjoy the outdoor environment while maintaining clear supervision and safety practices.
Do you offer casual or part-time bookings?
Part-time care may be available depending on current vacancies, and casual days may be offered when places become available. Please contact our Essendon team to discuss your family’s needs and current availability.
Booking a tour
What to expect when you visit.
30 minutes, in person, with the Centre Director. Bring your child if you can, they often tell us more than we can.
Pick a time
Tours run during the day in 30-minute slots so you can see the rooms in flow, not staged.
Walk the centre with us
The Centre Director shows you each room, talks through routines, and answers your questions.
Register your interest
If it feels right, we'll save your details and walk you through the waitlist. No commitment.
Inside the centre
A walk through Explorers Essendon.
The rooms, gardens, and spaces your child will get to know.
Ready when you are
Come and see Explorers Essendon for yourself.
Pick a tour time that fits: mornings, afternoons, or after work. We'll send you a calendar invite and a private Family Hub link, no password needed.