Explorers Early Learning and Childcare Centre Surrey Hills Elgar Road

221 Elgar Road, Surrey Hills, VIC 3127

Nestled in leafy Surrey Hills, towards the Wattle Park end of Elgar Road, Explorers Early Learning Surrey Hills – Elgar Road offers long day care and funded kindergarten in a warm, purpose-built setting for children aged 6 weeks to school age.

  • 6 weeks to school age
  • Integrated kindergarten
  • Mon–Fri · 6:30am – 6:30pm
Inside Explorers Early Learning and Childcare Centre Surrey Hills Elgar Road
Short video of children learning at an Explorers centre
Inside Explorers Surrey Hills Elgar Road, photo 1

Ages

6 weeks to school age

Open

Mon–Fri · 6:30am – 6:30pm

Kindergarten

3 & 4 year integrated

Meals

Cooked fresh on-site

Centre tour

See Surrey Hills before you visit.

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 Surrey Hills, designed for joyful learning.

Here, children feel safe. Families feel welcomed. Learning grows through curiosity, connection and joy.

Guided by our Learning for Life curriculum and inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, our early learning centre in Surrey Hills nurtures confidence, creativity and belonging through meaningful, play-based learning.

With thoughtfully designed indoor spaces, engaging outdoor play areas, a central Piazza, fresh meals prepared daily and opportunities for Bush Kinder and Explorers Somerville excursions, children have space to explore, imagine and grow in ways that feel calm, connected and full of possibility.

Whether you’re looking for childcare, a nurturing babies program, a supportive toddler program, or funded kindergarten within long day care in Surrey Hills, our team is here to support your family every step of the way.

Inside the centre

A walk through Explorers Surrey Hills Elgar Road.

The classrooms, gardens, and spaces your child will get to know.

Inside Explorers Surrey Hills Elgar Road, photo 1
Inside Explorers Surrey Hills Elgar Road, photo 2
Inside Explorers Surrey Hills Elgar Road, photo 3

What you'll find here

Why families choose Explorers Surrey Hills.

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.

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 commitment

Beyond the classroom

Bush Kinder & enrichment experiences.

At Explorers Surrey Hills, 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

Google Maps reviews

What Explorers Surrey Hills Elgar Road families say.

4.8 out of 5 from 43 Google reviews

  • Rated 5 out of 5

    “As a first-time parent, trusting someone else to care for your child is one of the hardest things you'll ever do. From the moment I first toured this centre, though, I felt at ease. It felt like a happy, clean and warm home that just happened to be full of children. The spaces were bright and cosy, and you could constantly hear children laughing. I paid extra attention to how the educators interacted with the children. They got down to the children's level, actively listened to them, and encouraged them to explore, turning those little moments into opportunities to learn. Walking past the kitchen, I saw the cook busy at work, happily humming away. The centre takes nutrition seriously, with meals and snacks that are healthy and follow the colours of the rainbow. Every staff member I met was incredibly attentive and friendly. I think it tells a lot about a place by seeing how their staff go about their daily work. When my daughter started here at 10 months old, I noticed changes almost straight away. Her development really took off: she was crawling faster, clapping, waving, babbling heaps and pulling herself up to stand. Even at mealtimes, she became so much more confident tackling her food. Best of all, she's genuinely happy to see her educators, flashing big smiles and reaching out for them. As a parent, that's exactly what you want to see. You want to know your child is safe, happy and well cared for. On top of all this, the team practises open communication, logging daily updates and photos so you always know how your child's day went. It makes such a difference to your peace of mind. It's going to be a really sad day when we have to leave. This centre is truly incredible, full of caring humans who go the extra step every single time.”

    Profile photo for Mish BarkMish BarkGoogle Maps review · 1 month agoView review on Google Maps
  • Rated 5 out of 5

    “My daughter has had such a positive experience at this childcare. Nadia, the centre director, is incredibly supportive, friendly, and genuinely caring. The educators are just as wonderful always welcoming, kind, and attentive. They create a nurturing environment where children feel safe, happy, and confident. I’m really grateful for the way they support my daughter’s learning and wellbeing. Highly recommend this centre.”

    Profile photo for FeironicaFeironicaGoogle Maps review · 2 months agoView review on Google Maps
  • Rated 5 out of 5

    “Nadia the Centre Director has made the centre feel like a real community, the educators generally really care about the children, it doesn’t feel like your dropping your child off to someone who is just performing tasks to get the job done. A particular shout out to Alisa, she has eased many a difficult drop off with my toddler, our mornings would be much harder without her.”

    Profile photo for Felicity LFelicity LGoogle Maps review · 5 months agoView review on Google Maps
  • Rated 5 out of 5

    “I’m very happy with Elgar Road Explorers Early Learning Centre. The educators are so caring, kind and patient with the children.You can really see that they love what they do, and that makes such a big difference. The centre is always clean, organised and welcoming.The communication is also great they always keep us updated about activities and progress. I truly appreciate the effort they put into creating a fun and educational environment. I highly recommend Elgar Road Explorers to any family looking for a supportive and nurturing early learning centre. 💛”

    Profile photo for KardouliaKardouliaGoogle Maps review · 8 months agoView review on Google Maps

Reviews provided by.

Google Maps returns up to five reviews per centre. We display the written five-star reviews, newest first.

Read more Explorers Surrey Hills Elgar Road reviews on Google

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.

Use CCS calculator

Explore nearby

Compare other Explorers centres nearby.

If this location does not fit your routine, keep exploring within the Explorers network.

Explorers Surrey Hills Stanley Terrace

Surrey Hills · 2.5 km away

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Explorers Ashwood

Ashwood · 3.5 km away

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Explorers Nunawading

Nunawading · 6.2 km away

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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 Surrey Hills Elgar Road early learning centre is located towards the Wattle Park end. With a peaceful setting and easy access for local families, it’s a place where your child is sure to feel right at home.

Is there onsite or off-street parking for pickups and drop-offs?

Yes, we offer both onsite and off-street parking to make drop-offs and pickups convenient for families.

How can you get there by public transport?

We’re easily accessible via the 766 and 903 bus routes, and just a short distance from Box Hill and Mont Albert train stations.

What ages do you cater for?

Explorers Surrey Hills Elgar Road provides early education and care for children aged 6 weeks to school age, including babies, toddlers and funded 3 and 4-year-old kindergarten.

Do you offer funded kindergarten?

Yes. Explorers Surrey Hills Elgar Road offers funded 3 and 4-year-old kindergarten within long day care. Our kindergarten programs are delivered by qualified Early Childhood Teachers and supported by our broader Learning for Life curriculum.

What Child Care Subsidy am I entitled to?

The Child Care Subsidy is based on your family’s income and care requirements. You can use our Child Care Subsidy Calculator to estimate your out-of-pocket costs, or speak with our team about how CCS may apply to your family.

Is there a waitlist?

Availability can vary depending on the age group and time of year. Places in nursery and kindergarten programs can fill quickly, so we encourage families to register their interest early and speak with the Explorers Surrey Hills Elgar Road team about current availability.

Do you offer outdoor learning or sustainability experiences?

Yes. Children at Explorers Surrey Hills Elgar Road take part in outdoor play, garden-based learning, recycling programs and sustainability experiences. Our educators help children explore eco-conscious habits in ways that feel practical, joyful and age-appropriate.

What are the qualifications and experience levels of the educators at Explorers Surrey Hills Elgar Road?

Our educators are diploma- and degree-qualified, with years of experience in early childhood education. They are nurturing, responsive, and dedicated to each child’s individual development.

Do you provide meals?

Yes. Children are provided with fresh, nutritious meals prepared daily by our on-site chef. We cater for allergies, intolerances, cultural preferences and individual dietary needs.

How does Explorers Surrey Hills Elgar Road accommodate children with dietary restrictions or allergies?

We work closely with families to ensure all dietary needs are met. Our in-house chef provides custom meal options for children with allergies or restrictions.

In what ways are families encouraged to participate in their child’s learning journey?

From open days and cultural celebrations to day-to-day updates and family events, we welcome parents to actively engage with their child’s early education experience.

What measures are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of children, especially during outdoor activities?

Explorers Surrey Hills Elgar Road has secure entry systems, supervision procedures, regular risk assessments and clear medical management protocols. Outdoor spaces are age-appropriate, enclosed and closely supervised by trained educators. Educators are trained in First Aid, CPR, asthma and anaphylaxis management, and child safety is embedded into our everyday practice.

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.

Ready when you are

Come and see Explorers Surrey Hills Elgar Road 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.