Take a short video walk-through of the classrooms, outdoor spaces, and daily rhythm, then book an in-person tour when you're ready.
About this centre
Childcare and kindergarten in Mt Cottrell, designed for joyful learning.
A calm, nurturing early learning centre where children feel safe, known and ready to grow. At Explorers Mt Cottrell, children aged 6 weeks to school age are welcomed into a warm, relationship-led environment where learning begins with trust, curiosity and joy.
Our educators take the time to know each child deeply, supporting their routines, interests and confidence as they move through each stage of early learning. From gentle nursery care to funded kindergarten, families in Mt Cottrell can feel confident their child is supported by experienced educators and a thoughtful, play-based curriculum.
Local to this centre
What makes Explorers Mt Cottrell different.
Practical details and learning experiences verified for this location.
A Piazza for ongoing projects
The shared Piazza lets children draw, build, create and revisit their ideas over time with support from educators.
Landscaped outdoor learning
Natural, open-ended outdoor spaces provide room for active play, imagination and quieter moments throughout the day.
Connected to the local routine
The Goodison Grove centre has onsite and off-street parking and can be reached from Tarneit Station by bus towards Riverdale Village Shopping Centre.
What you'll find here
Why families choose Explorers Mt Cottrell.
Reggio Emilia inspired
Our Learning for Life curriculum is child-led and play-based, shaped around what each child is curious about right now.
Integrated kindergarten
Three- and four-year-old kinder runs on-site, led by qualified Kindergarten Teachers. No separate drop-off, no extra fees.
Fresh food, every day
Our chefs prepare a nutritionist-designed menu in-house, using fresh local produce. Allergies and cultural needs catered for.
Indoor / outdoor flow
Children choose where they learn: open verandas, gardens, and dedicated outdoor classrooms are part of every day.
Family Hub
Accept offers, reconfirm your waitlist, and message the team, from your phone, whenever it suits you.
Programs
Programs for every stage of early learning.
From your baby's first days to the year before school, every classroom runs our Learning for Life curriculum: child-led, play-based, and grounded in the Early Years Learning Framework.
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.
At Explorers Mt Cottrell, 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.
“My son has been attending Explorers Early Learning since September last year, and I can honestly say he adjusted very well. Within just two weeks, he was already happy and excited to go each day.
It’s clear that he genuinely enjoys his time at the centre, and the educators have all been so kind and caring. You can really see how much they care for the children and the effort they put into creating a warm and supportive environment.
I’ve recommended Explorers Mount Cottrell to a couple of friends, and their children now attend the same centre as well.
A special mention to my son’s educators in Gumnuts/Pobblebonks — Aroha, Leah, Espie, Tracey, Ekta, and Rose, thank you for all the love, patience, care, and support you give every day. Your kindness and dedication truly mean so much to our family.
Thank you to all of the educators for the love, care, and support you give our children every day. We truly appreciate you for being part of our village.”
“Our son has been attending the centre for almost 3 years now, and he is always happy to go. We see him learning new things all the time, which makes us really confident in the care he receives. The teachers are very knowledgeable and friendly, and we really appreciate the daily updates they share about his day. The centre is always clean and well maintained. The variety of food they provide is also really nice. Overall, we’re very happy with the care, environment, and the positive impact the centre has had on our son.”
“The team at Explorers is nothing short of amazing. The whole center is warm, multicultural, and very comforting.
From the moment I walk in to the time I pick my son up, I know he is in safe hands.
Dani and Oz are always there with big smiles and are never too busy for a quick, comforting chat.
A special mention to the educators in Gumnuts, Aroha and Leah. Even though my son only attends one day a week, they have made him feel completely comfortable. They’ve put my mind at ease, and I can leave knowing he is in the best hands. They have been instrumental in helping him develop, and he truly enjoys the different activities the center provides.
So kudos to the whole team.”
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.
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?
Explorers Mt Cottrell is located on Goodison Grove in Mt Cottrell, supporting families in the local area and surrounding communities including Tarneit.
Is there onsite or off-street parking for pickups and drop-offs?
Yes, we have both onsite and off-street parking available to make mornings hassle-free for when you pick up or drop off your children.
How can you get there by public transport?
Families travelling by public transport can access the area via Tarneit Station, then continue by bus towards Riverdale Village Shopping Centre. From there, it is a short walk to Explorers Mt Cottrell on Goodison Grove.
How do I enrol my child at Explorers Mt Cottrell?
Booking a tour is a great place to start. During your visit, our team will show you through the centre, talk you through the available programs and answer any questions about routines, fees, CCS, kindergarten and availability. You can also submit an enquiry and our team will guide you through the next steps.
What ages does Explorers Mt Cottrell care for?
Explorers Mt Cottrell provides early learning and care for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, including nursery, toddler, 3-Year-Old Kinder and 4-Year-Old Kinder programs.
Do you offer funded kindergarten at Mt Cottrell?
Yes. Explorers Mt Cottrell offers funded kindergarten as part of our integrated early learning program, supporting both 3-Year-Old and 4-Year-Old Kinder children. Our kindergarten program is led by qualified educators and designed to support confidence, independence, social connection and school readiness through play-based learning.
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.
Part-time care may be available depending on current vacancies, and casual days may be offered when places become available. Please contact our Mt Cottrell team to discuss your family’s needs and current availability.
Is 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.
How does Explorers Mt Cottrell integrate sustainability into its indoor and outdoor learning environments?
We make sure that sustainability is a part of our everyday activities. We use eco-friendly materials in our centres and teach little ones how to care for their environment through activities like recycling or gardening.
What are the qualifications and experience levels of the educators at Explorers Mt Cottrell?
We make sure that our teachers aren’t just qualified for the role, but also exhibit a passion for early childhood education. Each member of our teaching staff has a warm and nurturing personality that creates an inviting atmosphere for learning.
How does Explorers Mt Cottrell accommodate children with dietary restrictions or allergies?
We take food allergies and dietary restrictions seriously. With an in-house chef preparing fresh meals daily, we can accommodate your child’s needs. Just let us know their restrictions and we’ll make sure to serve them the right meals.
In what ways are families encouraged to participate in their child's learning journey at Explorers Mt Cottrell?
Family is an important part of a child’s growth and development, so we regularly host events where everyone can come together along with activities that encourage parents to be included in their child’s learning journey.
What measures are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of children, especially during outdoor activities?
We prioritise safety by making sure our outdoor spaces are secure with age-appropriate playgrounds. We also have dedicated supervisors who are trained in first aid to keep a close eye on your little ones as they freely explore their environment through play.
What do I need to bring on my child’s first day?
Please bring a bag with labelled spare clothes and a comfort item if your child has one. Explorers provides everyday essentials such as meals, nappies and sunscreen. Before your child starts, our team will also help you understand anything specific your child may need.
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.
1
Pick a time
Tours run during the day in 30-minute slots so you can see the classrooms in flow, not staged.
2
Walk the centre with us
The Centre Director shows you each classroom, talks through routines, and answers your questions.
3
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 Mt Cottrell.
The classrooms, gardens, and spaces your child will get to know.
Ready when you are
Come and see Explorers Mt Cottrell 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.