Early Learning in the Creative Garden Only a short distance from Melbourne Airport, Tullamarine has gradually transformed into a community where early childhood education is more like a big family than a drop-off location. This purpose-built facility, which is tucked away on Gowrie Park Drive, is remarkably effective in both spirit and structure, providing families with a secure, motivating space that feels carefully chosen rather than mass-produced.
Australia’s early education system has changed dramatically in the last ten years. These days, parents actively seek out environments that encourage, support, and truly nurture developmental milestones rather than merely finding safe places to drop their kids off. Creative Garden Tullamarine is a particularly creative and hospitable model in this regard.
Creative Garden Early Learning Tullamarine
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Creative Garden Early Learning Tullamarine |
| Address | 16–20 Gowrie Park Drive, Melbourne Airport VIC 3045, Australia |
| Contact Number | 1800 517 075 |
| tullamarine@creativegarden.com.au | |
| Operating Hours | Monday to Friday, 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM |
| Age Range | 6 weeks to 6 years |
| Daily Fee (before subsidy) | $167.50 – $171.70 |
| Government Support | CCS available (up to 95%) + VIC-funded Kindergarten Program |
| Centre Capacity | Licensed for 120 children |
| Curriculum Approach | Play-based Early Years Learning Framework, STEM, Music & Movement, Environmental Education |
| Outdoor Facilities | Bike tracks, climbing frames, sandpits, shaded chill-out zones, community garden |
| Indoor Setup | Age-specific sensory rooms, cot rooms, personalised learning areas |
| Staff Experience | Long-standing team, Bachelor-qualified Kindergarten Teacher |
| Meal Provision | Chef-prepared, allergy-aware, seasonal rotating menu |
| Parent Communication | Daily updates via Xplor App, family events, educator meetings |
The facility has been thoughtfully designed in every way. Its outdoor spaces, divided into areas according to age and activity, are more than just play areas. There is a bike track with a smooth surface for toddlers, which promotes confidence and coordination. Large sandpits, shady climbing spots, and even a chicken hatching incubator that doubles as a science lesson and sensory marvel are all enjoyed by the older kids. Through encouraging this type of inquiry from an early age, the center is subtly developing fundamental problem-solving and teamwork abilities.
The interior areas are given equal weight. Every room encourages exploration, from serene cot rooms with soothing lighting to unstructured play areas furnished with organic materials. Babies are encouraged to explore at their own pace in the nursery, developing trust with reliable caregivers. From the beginning, this intentional emphasis on secure attachment greatly lowers separation anxiety and fosters emotional resilience.
The toddler room’s interactive language zones and group activities that foster speaking, sharing, and early numeracy are part of its social connection-promoting design. The curriculum has grown by the time a child starts kindergarten; it is still based on play but incorporates organized, developmentally appropriate learning objectives. Here, under the direction of an early childhood educator with a bachelor’s degree who understands how to strike a balance between independence and structure, kids participate in specialized literacy and numeracy activities.
Some team members have worked at Creative Garden Tullamarine for more than 15 years, demonstrating the exceptionally high retention rate of the educators there. In a field where burnout is prevalent, this is especially uncommon. Even more significant is the consistency these seasoned educators provide to the everyday lives of the kids, which is particularly reassuring for young students moving between different age-based classrooms.
Children’s understanding of their own emotional rhythms is greatly aided by the RAMSR program, which stands for Rhythm and Movement for Self-Regulation. The technique, which was first used early on and is frequently practiced, encourages focus and calmness through breathing, body motions, and musical beats. These simple yet effective methods are not only entertaining; they also have a profound developmental impact, assisting kids in better managing their attention, stress, and social interactions.
One parent described how her son, who had previously been quiet and reluctant to talk, began humming songs from RAMSR sessions at home and eventually gained confidence in his ability to communicate. These small victories, which take place every day behind the walls of this small center, are crucial in developing emotionally intelligent kids but are frequently overlooked by larger systems.
The strong sense of inclusion is another noteworthy aspect. The center is purposefully diverse, offering everything from multilingual storybooks and songs to days of cultural celebration. This effort fosters respect and curiosity between people and is consistent and ingrained in daily routines; it is not performative. This inclusive tone gives children from immigrant families visibility in their early learning environments in addition to validation.
The center is also very good at nutrition. Every day, freshly prepared meals using seasonal produce are prepared by on-site chefs. Every dietary requirement is taken into consideration, including those that are nut-free or sensitive to allergies. Parents have reported that their once-picky eaters now eagerly share their lunches, which is a positive indication of both variety and quality. Sometimes the chef even performs as an entertainer, combining food and fun by playing musical instruments for the kids.
Creative Garden Tullamarine is very proactive and transparent when it comes to parent communication. Parents can access real-time photos, updates, and observations from their child’s day via the Xplor App. Without depending on hazy end-of-day summaries, this constant flow of information reassures families and enables them to remain engaged in their child’s developmental journey. This transparency is very effective and reassuring for working parents, particularly those who work at or near the airport.
This article carefully addresses affordability, which is frequently a deciding factor for families. Fees vary by age group, from $167.50 to $171.70 per day. However, many families pay much lower rates thanks to the Child Care Subsidy and the Victorian Government’s free kindergarten program. In an effort to be both practical and community-minded, the center also provides extra discounts for five-day enrollments and corporate arrangements for airport employees.
These carefully managed centers have a generational social impact rather than merely anecdotal. The foundation for future leaders, artists, thinkers, and collaborators is being actively laid by facilities like Creative Garden Tullamarine, which provide children with early literacy, social adaptability, and emotional regulation in such a secure and supportive setting. They are co-architects of children’s initial experiences with identity, independence, and structure, not merely caregivers.
