Early learning centres

  1. Macquarie University
  2. About
  3. Campus services
  4. Children and youth
  5. Early learning centres

Building foundations for life through education

We have three on-campus early learning centres providing high quality education and care for children aged six weeks to five years.

Our programs are child-focused, play-based and reflective of current research and the Australian Government, Department of Education's Early Years Learning Framework.

Each child's learning is facilitated, guided, and extended by our experienced team of educators. Our custom-designed indoor and outdoor environments are considered equally important in the provision of learning opportunities for children. Sustainability, inclusion, and diversity are embedded in our practices and policies. We believe:

  • relationships are formative to learning
  • every child should have access to high-quality education
  • innovation and creative thinking are integral to our educational programs.

Our centres

University qualified Early Childhood Teachers lead the program delivery under the guidance of the Educational Leader and supported by the Program and Practice Support Teacher. Our physical environments are designed to stimulate children's natural curiosity and wonder and we access University spaces and facilities, such as the Art Gallery and Library, to support and enhance our learning programs.

Banksia and Gumnut Cottages

Waratah Cottage

  • 47 permanent places per day across 3 playrooms
  • Children aged 6 weeks to 5 years
  • Open 7.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday
  • Waratah Philosophy

Further information

"Campus Life is committed to the safety, well-being and empowerment of all children and young people engaging in our programs and to protect them from foreseeable harm.

Campus Life treats all allegations and complaints about the safety and wellbeing of children seriously and is committed to ensuring that its staff, volunteers and contractors understand the legal obligations to report child abuse and neglect to government authorities.

Every Campus Life employee has a responsibility to understand the important and specific role they play, individually and collectively, to ensure that the well-being and safety of all children and young people is at the forefront of all they do."

The three centres are Approved Services so the Child Care Subsidy may reduce fees for eligible families. Fees include nappies, all meals and a high-quality education program.

Priority is given to Macquarie University staff and students. Demand for care can be high, with no guarantee that a place will become available when required.

Daily fee (long daycare)

Parent/carer status

2024 fee

Macquarie University student

$152.50

Macquarie University staff

$156.00

Community

$178.00

Salary sacrifice is available for Macquarie University staff with children enrolled in Long Day Care at Banksia, Gumnut or Waratah Cottages. Note that the Child Care Subsidy cannot be claimed when fees are being paid by salary sacrifice. It is recommended that families seek independent financial advice when deciding to salary sacrifice.

Review our information on setting up salary sacrifice for childcare fees.

You will need to supply:

  • formula, baby feeding bottles, dummies (if applicable)
  • drink bottle (for water)
  • change of clothes
  • hat
  • sheets for cot/sleeping mat (if your child will be resting/sleeping).

All items must be clearly labelled.

Allow time to speak with staff when dropping your child off so that they understand your child’s routine and specific needs for the time they are at the Centre.

There is plenty of parking around campus, however it does cost. Please refer Campus Parking Map.

FREE PARKING: for picking up and dropping off up to 30 minutes parking (out the front of the centre). Please follow the steps below:

Applying for 30 min Childcare Permit

How to register:

  1. Browse to
    https://vpermit.com.au/mq/
  2. Click Register
  3. Select Other from the Role dropdown box
  4. Complete the registration, following all instructions

A confirmation email will be received, confirm account by clicking on the link.

How to apply for a permit:

  1. Login to vPermit
  2. Click on My Permits
  3. Press Apply for a permit
  4. Select Other Permit - Childcare Centre - 30 Minute Drop Off Zone
  5. Confirm the permit activation

The full range of policies and procedures are available at the Centre. Below are some of the more frequently used policies for quick reference:

Contact us

Long day care enrolment, account enquiries, and tours

T: +61 (02) 8123 2308
E: childrensservices@mq.edu.au

Vacation care enquiries

11 University Avenue
Macquarie Park NSW 2113
T: +61 (02) 9850 4680
E: cexp.waratah@mq.edu.au

Postal address

Banksia, Gumnut or Waratah Cottage
Locked bag 3500,
North Ryde NSW 1670
E: childrensservices@mq.edu.au

Banksia Cottage

8 Link Road
Macquarie Park NSW 2113

Gumnut Cottage

17 University Avenue
Macquarie Park NSW 2113

Waratah Cottage

11 University Avenue
Macquarie Park NSW 2113