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Childcare Townsville 2026: Costs, Types & How to Find
Find childcare and kindergarten in Townsville: long day care costs, Queensland Kindy programs, family day care options, and Child Care Subsidy eligibility for North Queensland families.
How we reported this
Childcare and Kindergarten in Townsville 2026
Townsville has a solid childcare market for North Queensland's largest city. With a significant Defence Force and public service population creating transient family demand, Townsville's childcare market has particular characteristics around waitlists and availability. earlychildhood.qld.gov.au
Types of Childcare in Townsville
- Long day care: Centre-based care for children 0-5
- Family day care: Registered home-based carer
- Queensland Kindy: 15 hours/week funded kindergarten for 4 year olds in the year before Prep
What Does Childcare Cost in Townsville 2026?
- Long day care daily fee: $90-$160/day
- Family day care: $70-$115/day
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
Apply through myGov/Centrelink. servicesaustralia.gov.au
Defence Families and Childcare in Townsville
Defence families posted to Townsville (3 Brigade, 1 RAR, Robertson Barracks) often face urgent childcare needs when relocating on short notice. The Department of Defence provides a childcare support network through the Defence Community Organisation (DCO) which can assist with priority access to childcare places for Defence families. Contact DCO before arriving in Townsville to explore options.
This article was compiled by AI and screened before publishing. See our editorial standards.