Explorers Early Learning and Childcare Centre Williamstown

130 Ferguson Street, Williamstown, VIC 3016

  • 6 weeks to school age
  • Integrated kindergarten
  • Mon–Fri · 6:30am – 6:30pm

Rated Exceeding NQS

National Quality Standard

— verify this rating on the ACECQA national register (opens in a new tab)
Inside Explorers Early Learning and Childcare Centre Williamstown

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 Williamstown, designed for joyful learning.

Located on Ferguson Street in the heart of Williamstown, Explorers Early Learning Williamstown offers long day care and funded kindergarten within a warm, purpose-built setting for children aged 6 weeks to school age.

Here, children feel calm. 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 Williamstown early learning centre is designed to nurture confidence, creativity and belonging through meaningful, play-based learning.

With thoughtfully designed indoor spaces, nature-inspired outdoor areas, a central Piazza and fresh meals prepared daily by our in-house chef, Explorers Williamstown gives children the space to explore, connect and grow in a way that feels safe, supportive and full of possibility.

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

What you'll find here

Why families choose Explorers Williamstown.

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 Williamstown, 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 Williamstown families say.

4.8 out of 5 from 63 Google reviews

  • Rated 5 out of 5

    Staff are very nice and my child is happy here. Teaching is high quality. Communication is good and team is receptive to feedback. I have also appreciated the opportunity to mix with other parents.

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

    My daughter has been attending Explorers since 2022, and throughout this time we have consistently received the same level of care, support, and professionalism from the team. The educators are always welcoming, attentive, and genuinely caring towards the children. It has been wonderful to see my daughter grow in such a positive and nurturing environment. Now, seeing how much she has grown and how well she is getting ready for school in her room has been amazing. The learning and development she is receiving is great to see. We have recently had school visits, and it was wonderful to see how outgoing and confident she is. This is a great reflection of what Explorers has helped embed in her throughout the years. We truly appreciate the dedication, encouragement, and consistency that Explorers provides to both my child and us.

    Profile photo for snap chatsnap chatGoogle Maps review · 3 months agoView review on Google Maps
  • Rated 5 out of 5

    My 2 year old daughter has settled into Explorers Williamstown so well. It’s a fantastic environment, the staff are so caring and there is a strong focus on learning and development. They put a lot of effort into community involvement too which I love. Thanks for everything!

    Profile photo for Jessica McNallyJessica McNallyGoogle Maps review · 5 months agoView review on Google Maps
  • Rated 5 out of 5

    Our 6-month-old daughter has just started care two days per week, and the adjustment has been quite emotional for us both. The team has been absolutely incredible throughout the transition.Ami (management) and the team went out of their way to support us, even helping to build rapport with my daughter in the room. After three transition days, they were even able to get her to sleep. The educators have been so patient, gentle, and understanding. Each day she is staying a little longer with fewer tears, which is such a comfort. It has made leaving my baby feel so much easier knowing she is in such caring and capable hands. We are so grateful to the team and so glad we waited for a spot, well worth the wait.

    Profile photo for Kristy BowlesKristy BowlesGoogle Maps review · 5 months agoView review on Google Maps
  • Rated 5 out of 5

    From the moment we walked in, we knew this was the place we wanted for our baby girl. The centre felt instantly warm, welcoming, and calm. Everything was so well organised, which immediately put us at ease. It truly felt like a safe and nurturing environment, with clear safety measures and thoughtful processes in place. As a parent who really values organisation, structure, and attention to detail, this stood out to me straight away. We also loved knowing that this will be the place where she grows, learns, and is supported over the coming years, right through until she starts school. It feels like a place where she won’t just be cared for, but genuinely known and nurtured as part of a community that feels like an extension of our family.

    Profile photo for Melissa SMelissa SGoogle Maps review · 7 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 Williamstown 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.

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Explorers Essendon

Essendon · 12 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?

You’ll find Explorers Williamstown at 130 Ferguson Street – close to the beach, local parks, and the heart of Williamstown’s vibrant village atmosphere.

What age groups do you cater for?

Explorers Williamstown 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 Williamstown 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, activity level 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.

Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Calculator
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 our Williamstown childcare team about current availability.

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

Yes. Families can access off-street parking, making morning and afternoon routines smooth and stress-free.

How can you get there by public transport?

We’re a short walk from Williamstown Train Station and near local bus routes, including the 471 and 415, making the centre easy to reach for commuting families.

How does Explorers Williamstown integrate sustainability into its indoor and outdoor learning environments?

We foster environmental responsibility through nature-based activities, eco-conscious resources, and child-led sustainability projects that build lifelong awareness.

What are the qualifications and experience levels of the educators at Explorers Williamstown?

Our team includes diploma- and degree-qualified educators with extensive experience and a passion for early childhood education.

Do you provide meals?

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

How does Explorers Williamstown accommodate children with dietary restrictions or allergies?

We work closely with families to create tailored meal plans. Our in-house chef ensures that all dietary needs are safely and deliciously met.

Do you offer outdoor learning or sustainability experiences?

Yes. Children at Explorers Williamstown take part in outdoor play, nature-based learning and sustainability experiences. Our educators help children explore composting, natural materials, eco-conscious resources and child-led sustainability projects in ways that feel practical, joyful and age-appropriate.

What safety measures are in place?

Our Williamstown childcare centre has secure entry systems, supervision procedures, regular risk assessments and clear medical management protocols. Outdoor areas are fully enclosed and supervised by trained educators. Educators are trained in First Aid, CPR, asthma and anaphylaxis management, and child safety is embedded into our everyday practice.

Do you offer casual or part-time bookings?

Booking options depend on current availability. Many families choose part-time placements, and occasional extra days may be available. Please speak with our Williamstown childcare team to discuss what may suit your family.

In what ways are families encouraged to participate in their child's learning journey at Explorers Williamstown?

From parent involvement days and cultural events to our secure family communication platform, we create meaningful ways for families to stay engaged and connected.

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

Children’s safety is central to everything we do. Our outdoor spaces are fully enclosed and supervised at all times, with age-appropriate equipment and comprehensive safety procedures.

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 Williamstown.

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

Explorers Williamstown gallery image 1
Explorers Williamstown gallery image 2
Explorers Williamstown gallery image 3

Ready when you are

Come and see Explorers Williamstown 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.